Experience the perfect fusion of East meets West in this sumptuous dish that combines the umami-rich flavors of miso with classic European butter and mustard. This one-pan wonder transforms humble cabbage into a caramelized delight while creating succulent, flavor-packed chicken that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Miso Mustard Butter
- ¾ tablespoon (11ml) Dijon mustard
- 100g (7 tablespoons) Kerrygold butter, room temperature
- 3 garlic cloves (approximately 15g), crushed
- 3 tablespoons (45g) white miso paste
For the Main Dish
- 1 large sweetheart cabbage (about 800g), trimmed and quartered (or 2 small ones, halved)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) balsamic vinegar
- 4 chicken legs (200-250g each/800-1000g total)
- 50g (½ cup) walnuts or hazelnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Miso Butter
- In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, and white miso paste
- Beat until smooth and well combined
- Set aside at room temperature
2. Initial Preparation
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F)
- Trim and quarter the cabbage
- Rub cabbage with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Season cabbage generously with salt
- Season chicken legs with salt and pepper
3. Roasting Process
- Arrange cabbage on baking tray
- Place seasoned chicken legs around cabbage
- Roast for 15 minutes
- Remove and dot with miso butter mixture
- Return to oven for 20-25 minutes
- Add nuts and roast additional 5 minutes
- Baste with pan juices
- Garnish with fresh dill
Time and Nutritional Information
Preparation Time:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 45 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4):
- Calories: 785
- Protein: 48g
- Fat: 62g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Iron: 3.5mg
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Butter Preparation
- Ensure butter is properly softened for smooth mixing
- Mix miso paste separately with a small amount of butter first
- Let compound butter come to room temperature before using
- Cabbage Selection
- Choose fresh, tight cabbage heads
- Look for bright green leaves without browning
- Ensure quarters/halves are even-sized for uniform cooking
- Chicken Success
- Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking
- Pat dry before seasoning
- Position thickest parts toward outer edges of pan
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Options
- Use chicken breasts (adjust cooking time)
- Try with pork chops
- Substitute with firm white fish (reduce cooking time)
- Cabbage Alternatives
- Regular green cabbage
- Napa cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Nut Options
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Pine nuts
Common FAQs
Q: Can I prepare the miso butter in advance?
A: Yes, prepare up to 3 days ahead and store refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using.
Q: What can I substitute for sweetheart cabbage?
A: Regular green cabbage works well; adjust cooking time as needed for larger pieces.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Check your miso paste label, as some contain wheat. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead?
A: Best served fresh, but miso butter and prep work can be done in advance.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days
- Store miso butter separately for up to 1 week
- Reheat in oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare miso butter up to 3 days ahead
- Cut and prep cabbage day before
- Make extra miso butter for future use
- Pre-chop nuts and store in airtight container
This innovative dish combines the earthiness of roasted cabbage with the rich umami of miso-mustard butter, creating a memorable meal that’s both sophisticated and comforting. The tender chicken legs, caramelized cabbage, and crunchy nuts offer a delightful contrast of textures, while the fresh dill adds a bright, herbaceous finish. Perfect for entertaining or elevating your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe showcases how simple ingredients can be transformed into an extraordinary culinary experience.
