Have you ever made braised red cabbage? If not, it’s time to try. It’s really not as complicated to make as you may think it is. It’s actually very simple and easy to make, especially this recipe, which is pretty straight forward. You literally just add all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer, with the pot covered, for about 30 to 35 minutes. The flavours just marinate together very well, and you don’t lose nutrients as the cabbage is steamed for a slightly short period of time. The recipe is absolutely delicious. It reminds me a little bit of Middle Eastern dishes due to the spices present in the dish. It’s also very health supportive as it supports the digestive and immune system.

What’s in the Recipe?

• Red cabbage
• Red onion
• Garlic
• Cumin seeds
• Coriander seeds
• Fennel seeds
• Red pepper flakes
• Pink Himalayan salt

What are the Health Benefits of this Dish?

Red cabbage is packed with antioxidants which help to fight against free radicals within the body. They help to protect our DNA, as well as helping to boost our immune system and repair damaged molecules. Cabbage is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C, as well as vitamin K, which help for blood clotting and bones’ reparation and formation.

There are also onions and garlic in the recipe, which are both beneficial for the immune system. Garlic is actually a powerful natural “antibiotic” that helps to combat infections in the body and inhibit growth of cancer cells. It has strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

The spices – cumin, coriander and fennel – are used whole and add a really nice touch of flavors which they pair all beautifully together.

Cumin is also used to aid digestion and improve absorption of nutrients and enhance immunity. Coriander seeds are known to have anti-bacterial properties and be an aid for the digestive system, just like fennel seeds.

What Does Braising Mean?

Braising means cooking something, usually meat or vegetables, in a small amount of liquid, covered, on the stove or in the oven. It’s a great cooking technique to preserve nutrients.

What to Serve the Braised Cabbage With?

I made this for lunch, so I simply poached two pastured eggs which I placed on top of the braised cabbage. It was so delicious. It’s pretty light so if you aren’t too hungry it would be perfect, but a nice addition would be an avocado toast or some extra veggies whether it’s raw or cooked. The next day, I actually cooked a sweet potato and that’s what I had, along with a small avocado, for leftovers (with two eggs again).

The cabbage can also be served with white fish, poultry or meat. If you are vegetarian, it could go well with a veggie patty or some falafels. It’s a lovely, nutritious side dish, full of nutrients to support health.

Other Cabbage Recipe

If you love cooking with cabbage, make sure to also check out my Borscht recipe. It’s a very flavourful soup with a deep, dark, red colour. It’s lovely to eat on a cold winter day.

I hope you enjoy this spiced red cabbage recipe. It’s vegan, gluten-, grain- and soy-free.

K