10 Delicious Savoy Cabbage Recipes You Need to Try
Savoy cabbage is a flavorful, nutrient-packed vegetable that can be used in a variety of ways. From simple side dishes to hearty main courses, there’s something for everyone. Here are 10 must-try recipes featuring savoy cabbage.
What is Savoy Cabbage and Why Should You Try It?
Savoy cabbage is a unique variety of cabbage known for its crinkled, vibrant green leaves and mild, sweet flavor. Unlike regular cabbage, it’s much more tender and has a delicate texture that works well in both raw and cooked dishes. Rich in nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, savoy cabbage is not only delicious but also an excellent addition to your diet.
1. Sautéed Savoy Cabbage with Garlic and Lemon
A simple, quick, and flavorful dish that pairs well with almost any main course.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of savoy cabbage, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add shredded cabbage and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender but slightly crunchy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Serve warm.
2. Savoy Cabbage and Potato Soup
A creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of savoy cabbage, shredded
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion until soft.
- Add potatoes and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and cook for 5 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Savoy Cabbage Slaw with Apple Cider Vinegar
A refreshing, tangy slaw that’s perfect for barbecues or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of savoy cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions:
- Toss shredded cabbage and carrot in a bowl.
- Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour over the cabbage mixture and toss well. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
4. Stuffed Savoy Cabbage Rolls
A classic comfort food that combines savory rice, ground meat, and tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of savoy cabbage, leaves separated
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can of tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water until soft.
- Mix cooked rice, ground meat, salt, and pepper.
- Roll the mixture into cabbage leaves and place them in a baking dish.
- Cover with tomato sauce and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
5. Savoy Cabbage Stir-Fry with Tofu
A quick, vegetarian stir-fry with tofu, ginger, and savory soy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of savoy cabbage, shredded
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated ginger
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a pan and cook tofu until golden brown.
- Add shredded cabbage and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes. Serve warm.
6. Savoy Cabbage with Bacon and Onion
A savory dish that pairs smoky bacon with sweet onions and tender cabbage.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of savoy cabbage, shredded
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
Instructions:
- Cook bacon in a large pan until crispy.
- Remove bacon and set aside. In the same pan, cook the onion until caramelized.
- Add cabbage and cook until tender. Stir in bacon before serving.
7. Savoy Cabbage and Bean Stew
A hearty stew with cabbage, beans, and spices, perfect for a filling meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of savoy cabbage, chopped
- 2 cans white beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp thyme
Instructions:
- Sauté onions in olive oil until soft.
- Add vegetable broth, beans, and cabbage.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, then add thyme, salt, and pepper.
8. Savoy Cabbage and Carrot Salad
A light, crunchy salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of savoy cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
Instructions:
- Toss the cabbage and grated carrots in a bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour over the cabbage mixture and toss. Chill before serving.
9. Savoy Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
A comforting skillet dish with sausage, cabbage, and a touch of spice.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of savoy cabbage, shredded
- 2 sausage links, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Cook sausage in a large skillet until browned.
- Add onions and cook until soft.
- Stir in cabbage and red pepper flakes. Cook until cabbage is tender.
10. Savoy Cabbage and Mushroom Risotto
A creamy, savory risotto with mushrooms and cabbage for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of savoy cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
Instructions:
- Cook rice in vegetable broth, stirring constantly until creamy.
- In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms and cabbage until softened.
- Stir the cabbage and mushrooms into the rice. Cook for another 5 minutes, and serve warm.
Tips for Cooking with Savoy Cabbage
- How to Store Savoy Cabbage: Keep savoy cabbage in the refrigerator, wrapped in a plastic bag or airtight container. It can last up to 1-2 weeks when stored properly.
- How to Prepare Savoy Cabbage: Wash the cabbage thoroughly to remove any dirt between the crinkled leaves. Remove the hard core and shred or chop the leaves for cooking.
- Savoy Cabbage in Smoothies: Savoy cabbage can also be used in green smoothies for a nutrient boost. Just blend it with fruits like apples, bananas, and some lemon for a refreshing drink.
Why You Should Include Savoy Cabbage in Your Diet
Savoy cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It’s a low-calorie vegetable that adds both flavor and nutrients to your dishes. Whether you eat it raw in slaws or cooked in hearty dishes, savoy cabbage is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your meals.
Savoy Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of Savoy cabbage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and chop the Savoy cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds (if using) and let them pop for a few seconds.
- Add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped Savoy cabbage, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or water and cover the skillet. Let the cabbage cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender but still retains some crunch.
- Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, add the apple cider vinegar and smoked paprika, if using. Stir to combine and let cook for another minute.
- Serve warm as a side dish or as a topping for other meals.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the dish for added color and nutrients.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter instead of olive oil.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled fish, or as part of a vegan bowl.
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Final Thoughts
Savoy cabbage is not just for traditional dishes. Whether you’re sautéing, steaming, or making a slaw, this vegetable offers endless possibilities. These 10 Savoy Cabbage recipes will help you explore the many ways you can enjoy this nutritious vegetable in your meals!
FAQs About Savoy Cabbage
1. What is savoy cabbage?
Savoy cabbage is a type of cabbage known for its curly, crinkled leaves and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Unlike regular cabbage, it has a more delicate texture, making it great for a variety of dishes, both raw and cooked.
2. How do I prepare savoy cabbage?
To prepare savoy cabbage, wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut off the tough core and then shred or chop the leaves based on your recipe. It’s that simple!
3. Can I eat savoy cabbage raw?
Yes, you can! Savoy cabbage has a tender texture compared to other cabbages, making it perfect for raw applications like slaws and salads. The mild flavor adds a nice crunch without being too bitter.
4. Can I substitute savoy cabbage for regular cabbage in recipes?
Yes, you can substitute savoy cabbage for regular cabbage. It’s slightly more delicate and has a milder taste, so your dish may have a softer texture and a slightly sweeter flavor. It’s perfect for light sautéing or in soups.
5. How do I store savoy cabbage?
Savoy cabbage can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. Simply wrap it in a plastic bag or airtight container to maintain freshness. It’s best to store it unwashed until you’re ready to use it.
6. Is savoy cabbage good for you?
Absolutely! Savoy cabbage is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, K, and folate. It’s also a great source of fiber and antioxidants, which support digestion and overall health.
7. How can I use savoy cabbage in smoothies?
Savoy cabbage can be added to green smoothies for an extra boost of nutrition. Blend it with fruits like apples, bananas, and citrus, or mix it with leafy greens like spinach for a fresh, nutrient-dense drink.
8. Can I freeze savoy cabbage?
Yes, you can freeze savoy cabbage. To freeze, blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immerse them in ice water to stop the cooking process. After drying, store the cabbage in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
9. What dishes can I make with Savoy cabbage?
Savoy cabbage can be used in many dishes! It’s great for making soups, stir-fries, slaws, and stuffed cabbage rolls. You can also sauté it with garlic, use it in casseroles, or even make a savory salad.
10. Can I substitute savoy cabbage in recipes with other leafy greens?
Yes, you can substitute savoy cabbage with other leafy greens like kale, napa cabbage, or even collard greens. However, keep in mind that each green has its own texture and flavor, so the dish may slightly vary in taste and consistency.
