Stewed Cabbage Recipe (2024)

Home » Side Dishes » Side Dishes - Vegetables

ByCarol

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read MyDisclosure

4.54 from 13 votes

45 minutes minutes

Jump To Recipe

This Stewed Cabbage recipe is a classic, humble old-world comfort food that’s also good for you! Super-versatile as a side dish and also as a main dish when meat or sausage is added or served over egg noodles. Great with this baked beans recipe!

Stewed Cabbage Recipe (1)

Why This Recipe is a Keeper!

This stewed cabbage side dish is a delicious way to elevate humble, healthful budget-friendly cabbage!

Cabbage is stewed with onions, carrots and tomatoes until tender and flavorful. A little red wine vinegar is added at the end for a little spark! The result is an easy, delicious and nutritious side dish!

This stewed cabbage recipe is:

  • Easy!
  • Healthy!
  • Budget-friendly!
  • Versatile! Great on its own as a tasty side dish or with sausage, over buttered egg noodles, rice or polenta.
Stewed Cabbage Recipe (2)

How to make Stewed Cabbage:

Recipe Ingredients:

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this stewed cabbage recipe along with how to prep the ingredients. See the recipe card below for the exact quantities.

Stewed Cabbage Recipe (3)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

  • Cabbage: Chopping a head of cabbage will be more cost-effective, but you can save time by buying a bag or two of coleslaw mix.
  • Paprika: Use either sweet or Hungarian paprika, which is a bit more pungent.
  • Chicken Broth: To make it vegan/vegetarian, use vegetable broth.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

  • Gather and prep all the ingredients.
  • Heat the oil in a Dutch oven, a heavy large skillet or another deep pan.
  • Add the onion and cook until it begins to soften.
  • Add the carrot and cook for several minutes more.
Stewed Cabbage Recipe (4)
  • Add the garlic and paprika and cook briefly.
Stewed Cabbage Recipe (5)
  • Add the chicken broth, tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring that to a boil.
Stewed Cabbage Recipe (6)
  • Start adding the cabbage by the handful, letting each addition wilt until you’ve added all the cabbage.
Stewed Cabbage Recipe (7)
  • Cover and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, depending on how cooked you like your cabbage.
  • Add a splash of red wine vinegar and season with salt and black pepper.
Stewed Cabbage Recipe (8)

That’s it! A simple yet healthful side dish or main dish with meat or sausage added. Delicious over buttery egg noodles, too!

Stewed Cabbage Recipe (9)

Chef Tip:

  • Paprika is considered a “fat-soluble” spice requiring fat for the flavor to “bloom.” Adding it directly to the hot fat early in the cooking process will help to disperse the flavor better throughout the entire dish.
Stewed Cabbage Recipe (10)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is stewed cabbage good for you?

Very good! This stewed cabbage recipe has very little fat so it’s also low in calories. Because cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, it’s very good for you and has many of the same health benefits as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Cabbage is high in beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber. Here’s more information from The Farmer’s Almanac: 5 Reasons to Eat Cabbage

Can you freeze cooked and stewed cabbage?

Absolutely! Cabbage has a dense texture that stays intact during the freezing process and the flavor is not affected at all.

Can you make stewed cabbage ahead of time?

Yes! Simply cook as directed, cool and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave until heated through.

Stewed Cabbage Recipe (11)

Serve with:

  • Turkey Apple Meatloaf with Balsamic Ketchup Glaze
  • Chili-Glazed Meatloaf
  • Boneless Short Rib Recipe (Mississippi-Style)
  • Cheesy Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
  • Perfect Roasted Potato Wedges
  • Roast pork
  • Roast chicken
Stewed Cabbage Recipe (12)
Stewed Cabbage Recipe (13)

More cabbage recipes you’re sure to love:

  • Cider Vinegar Braised Cabbage Wedges
  • Baked Cabbage
  • Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Mustard Vinaigrette
  • Roasted Red Cabbage Steaks Recipe

Get all my veggie side dishes at: Vegetable Side Dishes – From A Chef’s Kitchen

Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email and I’ll send it to your inbox.Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

* By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails.

Stewed Cabbage Recipe (14)

Stewed Cabbage Recipe (15)

Stewed Cabbage Recipe

Click to Rate!

By: Carol | From A Chef’s Kitchen

Stewed Cabbage is a classic, humble old-world comfort food that's also good for you! Super-versatile as a side dish and as a main dish when meat or sausage is added or served over egg noodles.

PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE SAVE RECIPE

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes – Vegetables

Cuisine East European

Servings 6 -8

Calories 102 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 medium onion - chopped
  • 1 medium carrot - chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic - chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15-ounce) petite diced tomatoes - (regular diced is fine, too) undrained
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 medium head cabbage - cut into wedges then thinly sliced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons red wine vinegar - to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley - optional

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large deep heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

  • Add the onion, reduce heat to medium-low and cook 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. (Do not brown.)

  • Add the carrot and cook 2-3 minutes.

  • Add the garlic and paprika and cook briefly, 15 seconds or so.

  • Add the broth, tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil.

  • Add the cabbage in handfuls, stirring to wilt the cabbage until you have room for all the cabbage.

  • Cover with the lid slightly ajar. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20-30 minutes or to desired doneness, stirring several times.

  • Add the red wine vinegar, starting with 1 tablespoon. Add more as desired.

  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  • Top with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

MAKE AHEAD: Cook as directed, cool and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 203mg | Potassium: 387mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2464IU | Vitamin C: 59mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 1mg

These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment, star rating or post your photo on Instagram and tag @fromachefskitchen.

Stewed Cabbage Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

Then, there is the red cabbage which tends to turn blue when cooked and so, most commonly just eaten raw. If you do want to cook it, add a touch of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to lessen the effect.

How do you cook cabbage so it's not gassy? ›

A few whole cloves added to the boiling water for cabbage impart a delicately complementary flavor and aroma and may help to prevent gas during digestion. Other sweet spices that may be carminative include allspice, cinnamon and ginger.

Why do you put baking soda in cabbage? ›

Baking Soda in Cooking Vegetables and Fruits

The baking soda will soften the water in cooking beans or cabbage, and the vegetables will cook quicker and more thoroughly, but the alkali has a destructive effect on the vitamins present in these vegetables, and in all fresh foods.

Can you overcook boiled cabbage? ›

You want to cook until tender, but err on the side of caution—overcooked cabbage will turn limp and give off a less-than-pleasant smell.

What happens if you boil cabbage too long? ›

Unappetizing texture and flavor: Overcooking can cause cabbage to become mushy, slimy, and unappetizing. It can also cause the cabbage to lose its natural sweetness and become bitter.

Is cooked cabbage with vinegar good for you? ›

Red cabbage offers another bonus: It's rich in natural pigments called anthocyanins, which new research suggests may help boost insulin production and lower blood sugar levels. Finally, cabbage is often prepared with vinegar, which can help lower the GL of your whole meal.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating cabbage? ›

Cabbage and Its Cousins

Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cabbage, have the same sugars that make beans gassy. Their high fiber can also make them hard to digest. It will be easier on your stomach if you cook them instead of eating raw.

How long does it take to boil cabbage? ›

How to boil cabbage. Put the cabbage leaves or shredded cabbage in a large pan and cover halfway with water. Bring to the boil and cook for 3-5 mins or until tender.

What are the side effects of eating cabbage? ›

The negative side of cabbage

While cabbage offers lots of vitamins and minerals your body needs, there can be a downside to eating cabbage. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. It's best to slowly introduce these vegetables into your diet and gradually increase your intake.

What happens when you pour salt inside a cabbage? ›

The salt pulls moisture out of the cabbage, seasons it, and leaves you with a super-crunchy texture that isn't raw or tough-tasting. Rinse! Rinse well to purge the salt. Get rid of the excess water.

What does pouring salt into a cabbage do? ›

To ferment vegetables, such as cabbage, we take advantage of these two qualities – it's our golden ticket to fermentation! First, we add enough salt to make it difficult for competing microorganisms to survive. The salt then draws moisture out of the cabbage's cells through osmosis, forming a salty brine.

How do you know when cabbage is done cooking? ›

Simmer, covered, until the cabbage begins to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the cabbage carefully, and continue to simmer until the cabbage is tender, an additional 5 minutes. The cabbage is ready when a small paring knife inserted into the thickest part of the cabbage near the core slides through easily.

Why is my cabbage still tough after cooking? ›

If leaves are not pliable enough after parboiling for 1 minute, return them to simmering water another 1-2 minutes to desired softness. Are you salting the water before parboiling? Salt can help soften cabbage.

How much water do you use when boiling cabbage? ›

Add about 8 cups of water to a pot.

Can you boil cabbage twice? ›

It means once you've done something don't revisit it. There's nothing to be gained in looking back. Yes, regret then move on. Originally Answered: I heard an Irish proverb that said, “There is no use in boiling your cabbage twice.” I think it means it not productive to repeatedly regret mistakes you made.

Will adding vinegar to cabbage during cooking make it turn blue? ›

If you add vinegar it will stay the original color. The reddish pigment in the cabbage acts as a pH indicator like litmus paper. Your method of cooking is alkaline which isn't bad but would change the color of cabbage.

Why do people boil vinegar? ›

Some cleaning enthusiasts recommend boiling a pan of vinegar to help get rid of strong odours by turning the acetic acid into a vapour that might more readily react with any volatile bases in a room.

What happens when you mix vinegar and cabbage juice? ›

The vinegar will turn the cabbage juice red because it is an acid (acetic acid). The baking soda will turn the cabbage juice greenish-yellow because it is a base (sodium bicarbonate).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Stevie Stamm

Last Updated:

Views: 6112

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Stevie Stamm

Birthday: 1996-06-22

Address: Apt. 419 4200 Sipes Estate, East Delmerview, WY 05617

Phone: +342332224300

Job: Future Advertising Analyst

Hobby: Leather crafting, Puzzles, Leather crafting, scrapbook, Urban exploration, Cabaret, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.