Creamed Cabbage Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns humble cabbage into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, the combination of butter, garlic, and Parmesan creates a rich, dreamy sauce that makes every bite feel like a warm hug!

Creamed Cabbage is a supremely rich and delicious comfort food. It turns a few extremely humble ingredients into a truly elevated side dish.

My recipe uses a medium-sized head of cabbage, a good amount of butter, and a prodigious hit of heavy cream to make a lovely velvety sauce. Only with the additions of onion, garlic, and nutmeg do we get a blend that’s anything but one-note.

And the real departure point for being slightly more elevated is the finishing touches: a sprinkle of Parmesan and a dab of finely chopped parsley. And then, of course, we eat it.

Nutrient-rich cabbage has never tasted this creamy and delicious.

Creamed Cabbage Recipe Ingredients

• Cabbage: Low in calories, rich in fiber, aids digestion, and boosts immunity.
• Butter: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor; a source of healthy fats.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, silky texture; high in fats for a decadent taste.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and umami; contains antioxidants and vitamins.
• Garlic: Enhances flavor with a pungent note; known for health benefits like reducing cholesterol.
• Nutmeg: Offers a warm, nutty flavor; optional spice for added complexity.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional salty umami boost; adds a savory richness.

Creamed Cabbage Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium head of cabbage, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make this Creamed Cabbage Recipe

1. In a large frying pan or saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook, covered, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken, green onions, and pastrami. When the garlic is fragrant, stir the mixture into the saucepan, and continue cooking for another minute. Prepare to make the sauce.

3. Distribute flour evenly over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to remove the taste of raw flour.

4. Slowly add the heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. Place the chopped cabbage into the pan and add the creamy mixture. Stir well to coat the cabbage.

6. Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, and nutmeg if you are using it. Stir well to mix everything.

7. Put a lid on the pan and decrease the heat to low. Let it simmer with the occasional stir for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.

8. If using, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well incorporated. Cooking time will be another 2-3 minutes.

9. Take off the heat and modify the taste to your liking, adding extra salt or pepper if you want.

10. Move to a dish for serving and top with parsley fresh from the garden before serving.

Creamed Cabbage Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan or saucepan with a lid
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Medium bowl
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Grater (if using Parmesan cheese)

FAQ

• Can I make this recipe with red cabbage?It is possible to use red cabbage, but the color of the dish will be different, and the flavor will be only slightly similar to that of the dish made with green cabbage.
• What can I use instead of heavy cream?Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter for nearly the same richness. If you want to keep the texture yet reduce the calories and fat, use these in equal proportions to what the recipe calls for in “heavy cream.”
• Is the nutmeg essential in this recipe?No, nutmeg is not required. It brings a barely noticeable depth of flavor to the table, but the dish is delectable without it.
• How do I store leftovers?Leftover creamed cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?Indeed, you can make it a day before and reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
• What dishes pair well with creamed cabbage?Cabbage creamed complements roasted meats, sausages, or serves as a side to a vegetarian main dish.
• Is Parmesan cheese necessary?Adding Parmesan cheese is optional and gives a boost of flavor. You can omit it or substitute it with any other cheese you like.

Creamed Cabbage Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Margarine or olive oil can stand in as a different fat option if you need to substitute for butter.
Use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version than heavy cream.
Allium cepa: Sub shallot, or a leek. The flavor will not be quite the same, but these will give your dish an oniony vibe.
If fresh garlic is not obtainable, utilize half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
All-purpose flour can be replaced with cornstarch, which works well for thickening soups, sauces, and gravies that need to be gluten-free.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-Sauté Cabbage for Added Flavor Before you start cooking the onions, consider briefly sautéing the sliced cabbage in the butter until it starts to brown slightly. This will add a deeper, caramelized flavor to your dish. Remove the cabbage and set it aside before proceeding with the onions.

2. Use a Whisk for Cream When adding the heavy cream to the flour mixture, use a whisk to ensure it integrates smoothly and without lumps. This will create a creamy, silky texture for the sauce.

3. Customize Your Spice Experiment with adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick and more complex flavor profile. These spices can enhance the warmth of the dish.

4. Rest Before Serving After cooking, let the dish sit off the heat for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld further and ensures a creamier consistency as the sauce thickens slightly upon cooling.

5. Zesty Garnish Twist Alongside parsley, try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest at the end for a bright contrast and enhanced freshness, elevating the overall taste of the dish.