The Perfect Winter Comfort Dish
Transform humble cabbage into an elegant, restaurant-worthy dish with this innovative recipe that combines the caramelized sweetness of roasted cabbage with a luxurious turmeric-spiced sauce. This vegan-friendly recipe elevates the simple cabbage into a stunning main course that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for those seeking a protein-rich plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Cabbage:
- 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1-2 tablespoons dairy-free butter, softened (30-45g)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Turmeric Chickpea Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup (120g) raw cashew nuts
- 1/4 cup (60ml) plant-based cream
- 5 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained (about 3/4 cup / 120g cooked)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Toasted breadcrumbs
- Dairy-free parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage
- Cut the cabbage into 6-8 equal wedges, keeping the core intact
- Place wedges on a large baking tray
- Make the Miso Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine miso paste and softened dairy-free butter
- Mix until well combined
- Brush the mixture generously over all sides of the cabbage wedges
- Roast the Cabbage:
- Place the tray in the preheated oven
- Roast for 30 minutes, or until edges are crispy and golden
- The core should be tender when pierced with a knife
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a high-powered blender, combine:
- Chopped tomatoes
- Cashew nuts
- Plant-based cream
- Maple syrup
- Ground turmeric
- Chopped onion
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste
- Finish the Sauce:
- Transfer the sauce to a pot
- Add the cooked chickpeas
- Heat over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Adjust seasoning if needed
- Serve:
- Place roasted cabbage wedges on plates
- Pour the hot turmeric chickpea sauce over the wedges
- Garnish with toasted breadcrumbs or dairy-free parmesan if desired
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 580mg
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Choose a fresh, dense cabbage with crisp leaves for best results
- Keep the core intact when cutting wedges to prevent leaves from separating
- For extra caramelization, brush with additional miso butter halfway through roasting
- Soak cashews for 2-4 hours before blending for an extra creamy sauce
- Let cabbage wedges rest for 5 minutes after roasting for optimal texture
Variations and Substitutions
- Red cabbage can be used instead of green for a different visual appeal
- Replace miso with mustard for a different flavor profile
- Substitute cashews with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version
- Use coconut cream instead of plant-based cream
- Add roasted garlic to the sauce for extra depth
- Swap chickpeas with white beans or lentils
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days ahead. Reheat gently before serving. Cabbage is best roasted just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store sauce and cabbage separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze the sauce?
A: Yes, the sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, just ensure your miso paste is gluten-free and skip the breadcrumb topping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Prepare the miso butter mixture up to 1 week ahead
- Cut cabbage wedges up to 24 hours in advance, store covered in the refrigerator
- Leftover sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Reheat sauce gently on stovetop, adding water if needed to adjust consistency
- Leftover roasted cabbage can be chopped and added to stir-fries or soups