Steamed Cabbage

Napa Cabbage Recipe with Hot Pepper and Caraway Seeds

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Steamed cabbage is a simple and healthy dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of cabbage with the tangy taste of apple cider vinegar and the heat of hot pepper flakes. It is a great side dish to accompany any meal.

History

Steamed cabbage has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that is readily available and affordable, making it a staple in many households. Steaming the cabbage helps to retain its nutrients and natural flavors, making it a healthy and delicious option for any meal.

Ingredients

1 napa or green cabbage, about 1.5 lb (I often mix red and green together)
0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
1.5 tsp crystalline fructose
0.5 tsp hot pepper flakes
2 tsp caraway seeds
0.25 tsp salt
black pepper, to taste
0.25 cup water
1 red bell pepper, diced (if red is priced high, I use green)

How to prepare

Core the cabbage and thinly slice it.
In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, fructose, pepper flakes, and caraway seeds.
Cook for about 4 minutes and then remove from heat.
Meanwhile, fill a large kettle with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil.
Place the cabbage slices and bell pepper in a steamer basket and position it over the boiling water.
Steam the vegetables, covered, for 3 minutes.
Remove the vegetables from the steamer and transfer them to a serving bowl.
Strain the sauce through a strainer and pour it over the cabbage.
Toss the cabbage well to coat it with the sauce.

Variations

For a different flavor profile, try adding different herbs and spices to the sauce, such as garlic, ginger, or soy sauce. You can also add in other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to add more color and texture to the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that the cabbage is cooked evenly, make sure to thinly slice it before steaming. This will help the cabbage to cook quickly and evenly. Additionally, be sure to toss the cabbage well with the sauce to ensure that it is evenly coated and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

This steamed cabbage dish can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy meal.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming the cabbage helps to retain its nutrients and natural flavors, making it a healthy and delicious option for any meal. Be sure to steam the cabbage for just a few minutes to ensure that it is cooked but still retains some crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or rice vinegar as a substitute. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of crystalline fructose for a different sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to steam the cabbage. This will help to save time when preparing the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the steamed cabbage in a large serving bowl and garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top for added texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This steamed cabbage dish pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or pork. It can also be served alongside rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the cabbage in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 40 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 8g per serving

Fats

Fats: 0.5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Cabbage is also a good source of fiber, which is important for digestive health.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it does contain fructose, so it may not be suitable for those with fructose intolerance.

Summary

Overall, this steamed cabbage dish is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for any meal. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for those looking to improve their overall health.

Summary

Steamed cabbage is a healthy and delicious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of cabbage with the tangy taste of apple cider vinegar and the heat of hot pepper flakes. It is a great side dish to accompany any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl helping my mother in the kitchen. We were preparing a simple meal of meatloaf and mashed potatoes when my mother’s friend, Mrs. Johnson, stopped by with a head of fresh cabbage from her garden.

As Mrs. Johnson chatted with my mother, I watched in fascination as she expertly chopped the cabbage and placed it in a pot with some water. She then covered the pot and let the cabbage steam until it was tender and delicious. I had never seen cabbage cooked in this way before, and I was intrigued.

Mrs. Johnson noticed my interest and smiled. “Would you like to learn how to make steamed cabbage, dear?” she asked. I eagerly nodded, and she patiently walked me through the steps, explaining that steaming the cabbage helped to retain its nutrients and flavor.

I was hooked. From that moment on, steamed cabbage became a staple in our household. I experimented with different seasonings and variations, adding onions, garlic, and even bacon to create new and exciting flavors. Over the years, I refined the recipe until it became a beloved family favorite.

As I grew older, I continued to learn new recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I met along the way. Each recipe was a story waiting to be told, a memory waiting to be shared. And so, I collected them all in a worn recipe book that became my most prized possession.

One day, as I was flipping through my recipe book, I came across the steamed cabbage recipe that Mrs. Johnson had taught me all those years ago. I smiled as I remembered that fateful day in the kitchen, and decided to make a batch of steamed cabbage for old times’ sake.

As the cabbage steamed on the stove, filling the kitchen with its savory aroma, I couldn’t help but reflect on all the memories and experiences that had brought me to this moment. Each recipe in my book was a connection to the past, a reminder of the people who had touched my life and shared their love of cooking with me.

When the cabbage was finally done, I scooped it onto a plate and took a bite. The flavors were just as I remembered – tender, flavorful, and comforting. I closed my eyes and savored the taste, feeling grateful for all the lessons and blessings that had brought me to this moment.

And as I sat at the table, enjoying my steamed cabbage, I knew that I would continue to cherish these recipes and the stories behind them for the rest of my days. Cooking had become not just a passion, but a way of preserving memories and honoring the people who had shaped my life.

So here’s to steamed cabbage, a simple dish that holds a world of meaning for me. May it always remind me of the joy of discovery, the power of tradition, and the love that lives on in every bite.