Cabbage Steaks: The Surprisingly Delicious Way to Get Your Veggies!
Alright, let's talk cabbage! I know, I know, it doesn't exactly scream 'exciting'. But trust me on this one, we're about to turn that humble head of cabbage into something truly spectacular. We're not talking about your grandma's boiled cabbage (sorry, Grandma!). We're diving headfirst into the world of Loaded Cabbage Steaks - and they are about to become your new favorite thing!
A Veggie Revelation
Forget those boring old side dishes, cabbage is ready to take center stage! Imagine thick slices of cabbage, roasted to perfection until they're tender on the inside and crispy at the edges. Then, we're going to pile them high with flavor. Get ready for a delicious explosion of texture and taste that will leave you craving more.
What Makes These Cabbage Steaks So Awesome?
- Healthy & Nutritious: Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse! It's loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. Plus, we are going to load these up with all kinds of super healthy toppings!
- Easy to Make: Don't let the "steak" part scare you! This recipe is surprisingly simple, with minimal prep time and ingredients.
- Customizable: You can totally adjust the toppings based on your preference! We're using a super tasty vegan version of blue cheese dressing and tempeh bacon, but you can swap with your favorite flavors.
- Versatile: These cabbage steaks can be a great meal on their own, or a unique addition to a lunch, or as a side dish to a larger meal.
- Surprisingly Delicious: We are about to create a culinary masterpiece with something that usually ends up as a forgotten side dish.
The Recipe: Loaded Cabbage Steaks (Vegan)
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 40-45 minutes Serves: 6
Ingredients:
For the Cabbage Steaks:
- 1 large head green cabbage, cut into 6 evenly thick slices
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 slices of tempeh bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled (or vegan bacon alternative)
- 2 oz vegan blue cheese, crumbled
- 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing:
- ½ cup full fat vegan sour cream
- 2 Tbsp vegan mayonnaise
- 1½ tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
- ½ small shallot, very finely minced
- 2 oz vegan blue cheese crumbles
- 2 Tbsp vegan heavy cream
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the stem off the cabbage head to create a flat surface. Carefully slice the cabbage, top to bottom, into ½-inch thick sections.
- Transfer the sliced cabbage to the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Lightly brush the cabbage with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 40-45 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, or until the cabbage is nicely browned and crispy on the edges.
- While the cabbage is roasting, prepare the vegan blue cheese dressing. Combine the vegan sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, shallot, blue cheese, and heavy cream in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and whisk thoroughly.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let cool for several minutes. Drizzle each cabbage steak with the vegan blue cheese dressing and top with the crumbled tempeh bacon and vegan blue cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!
Tips for Cabbage Steak Perfection
- Don't Overcrowd: Make sure to leave some space between the cabbage slices on the baking sheet for best results.
- Crispy Edges: If the edges aren't getting crispy enough for your liking, broil for the last few minutes of the cooking time, but keep a close watch.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cabbage before baking for a bit of heat.
- Get creative: Swap out the vegan blue cheese with a different vegan cheese, or try some toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
Cabbage steaks are a game-changer! They are a testament to how delicious, healthy, and versatile a humble vegetable can be. So, next time you're at the grocery store, grab a head of cabbage and get ready to be amazed. This recipe is perfect for any night of the week! Enjoy!