Healthy Food Recipes: Italian Cabbage

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and shredded (about 6 cups)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps to Cook:

1. Prepare the cabbage: a. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and discard. b. Cut the cabbage in half lengthwise and remove the core. c. Shred the cabbage into thin strips, either by hand or using a food processor.

2. Cook the vegetables: a. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. b. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. c. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant.

3. Add the cabbage and tomatoes: a. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. b. Pour in the diced tomatoes, including the juice from the can. c. Stir in the tomato paste and vegetable or chicken broth.

4. Season and simmer: a. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). b. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. c. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. d. Cover the skillet and let the cabbage mixture simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.

5. Finish and serve: a. Remove the lid and continue simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes, if needed, to allow the liquid to reduce and the flavors to meld. b. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. c. Serve the Italian cabbage warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

Cook’s Note:

• This dish can be made in advance and reheated, as the flavors will continue to develop over time.
• For a heartier meal, you can add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or chickpeas to the cabbage mixture.
• Serve the Italian cabbage as a side dish or over cooked pasta or rice for a complete meal.
• To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

---