Caramelized Cabbage and Onions Recipe

Introduction

Caramelized cabbage and onions make a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Slow cooking these vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a tender, golden dish with a hint of spice. It’s a great way to enjoy cabbage in a comforting, savory way.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 head green cabbage (halved, cored & thinly sliced)
• 1 medium yellow onion (cut in half and thinly sliced)
• 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
• 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick or ceramic skillet or braiser pan with high sides. If you don’t have a skillet with high sides, use a large saucepan.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced cabbage and onion. The skillet will be very full, but the cabbage will cook down quickly. Use tongs to toss the cabbage and onions with the olive oil.
3. Step 3: Once the mound of cabbage cooks down a bit and becomes more manageable, use a wooden spoon or wooden spatula to stir the cabbage as it cooks, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
4. Step 4: After about 10 minutes, stir in the kosher salt and red pepper flakes.
5. Step 5: Continue to cook, stirring very frequently and scraping browned bits off the bottom, until the vegetables are golden brown, about 20 minutes total.
6. Step 6: Add the garlic and nutmeg. Cook for 1 minute.
7. Step 7: Stir in the parsley. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use green, Savoy, or Napa cabbage depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
• For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the nutmeg.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright contrast.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to retain the caramelized flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this recipe?

Yes, pre-shredded cabbage will work fine. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture before cooking to avoid sogginess.

Is this dish suitable for vegan diets?

Absolutely. This recipe uses only plant-based ingredients, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike.

Caramelized Cabbage and Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews

This Caramelized Cabbage and Onions recipe delivers a deliciously sweet and savory side dish featuring tender, golden-browned cabbage and onions enhanced with garlic, nutmeg, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect for a hearty accompaniment to any meal, it highlights simple ingredients transformed through slow stovetop cooking into a flavorful and comforting vegetable dish.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 head green cabbage (halved, cored & thinly sliced)
• 1 medium yellow onion (cut in half and thinly sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley

Seasonings

• 1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
• 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (to taste)

Oils

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick or ceramic skillet or braiser pan with high sides. If unavailable, use a large saucepan to ensure the cabbage has enough room to cook evenly.
2. Add cabbage and onions: Place the thinly sliced cabbage and onions into the pan. The skillet will appear full initially, but the cabbage will reduce in volume as it cooks. Use tongs to toss the cabbage and onions with the olive oil, ensuring even coating.
3. Cook and stir: As the cabbage softens, use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir occasionally, scraping any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor and prevent burning.
4. Add salt and red pepper: After about 10 minutes, season the vegetables with kosher salt and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue stirring to distribute the seasoning evenly.
5. Caramelize the vegetables: Keep cooking the cabbage and onions over medium-high heat, stirring frequently and scraping the pan’s bottom. Continue until the vegetables are golden brown and deeply caramelized, approximately 20 minutes total cooking time.
6. Add garlic and nutmeg: Stir in the minced garlic and ground nutmeg, cooking for an additional 1 minute to release the aromatic flavors without burning the garlic.
7. Finish with parsley and serve: Mix in the minced flat-leaf parsley just before serving to add fresh color and brightness to the dish. Serve warm as a tasty side dish.

Notes

• Using a skillet with high sides or a large saucepan helps contain the cabbage as it cooks down without spilling over.
• Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
• Stirring frequently and scraping the pan bottom is key to achieving deep caramelization and preventing burning.
• For a richer flavor, consider finishing with a splash of apple cider vinegar or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture (optional).
• This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled poultry, or vegetarian mains.

Keywords: Caramelized cabbage, caramelized onions, side dish, vegetable side, easy cooking, stovetop recipe