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Stewed cabbage with carrots and onions is a timeless, rustic dish that holds a special place in many cuisines around the world. Simple yet flavorful, this dish offers a warm, hearty meal that can be enjoyed in any season. Whether you are looking for a side dish to complement your main course or a vegetarian option for a satisfying meal, this cabbage stew delivers both comfort and nutrition in every bite. The combination of tender cabbage, sweet carrots, and savory onions is brought together with the rich taste of tomato paste, making it a well-balanced dish that is both filling and tasty.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that is packed with flavor, nutrients, and comfort. Cabbage, an often underestimated vegetable, shines here as the star ingredient. When stewed, it softens and absorbs the flavors of the seasonings, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The sweetness of carrots and the earthiness of onions bring a delicious balance to the dish, while the tomato paste adds depth and richness.

Stewed cabbage is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. It’s low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with vitamins, making it a healthy choice for any meal. The best part is that this dish can be easily customized. You can add herbs, spices, or proteins like sausage or bacon for extra flavor, or you can enjoy it as-is for a lighter, plant-based meal. It’s the kind of dish that can be adapted to fit different tastes and preferences, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1200 g (about 2.5 lbs) white cabbage (shredded)
450 g (about 2 medium onions) (chopped)
350 g (about 2 medium carrots) (grated or thinly sliced)

3 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
1 tablespoon salt (to taste)

1.5 tablespoons sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)

Steps to Make Stewed Cabbage with Carrots and Onions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Shred the cabbage: Start by removing the outer leaves from the cabbage, then cut it into quarters. Remove the tough core and shred the cabbage finely using a knife or a mandoline slicer.
Grate or slice the carrots: Peel the carrots and grate them using a coarse grater or slice them thinly if you prefer a different texture.

Chop the onions: Peel and chop the onions into small pieces.

2. Cook the Onions

Heat the oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions become soft and translucent. This step will bring out the sweetness of the onions and create a rich base for the stew.

3. Add the Carrots

Sauté the carrots: Add the grated carrots to the skillet with the onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The carrots will soften and begin to caramelize, adding a natural sweetness to the dish.

4. Add the Cabbage and Seasonings

Combine the cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and carrots. It might look like there’s too much cabbage at first, but it will cook down as it stews.
Add the tomato paste, salt, and sugar: Stir in the tomato paste, salt, and sugar. The tomato paste adds a savory depth of flavor, while the sugar balances the acidity from the cabbage. Make sure to evenly coat the cabbage with the seasonings.

5. Simmer the Stew

Add water: Pour in just enough water to cover the vegetables (about 1 to 1.5 cups). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Adjust Seasonings and Serve

Taste and adjust: After the cabbage has softened, taste the dish and adjust the salt, sugar, and seasoning to your preference. You can also add a pinch of black pepper or your favorite herbs at this stage for extra flavor.
Serve: Once the cabbage is tender and flavorful, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the dish hot as a side or main course, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

45 minutes

Total Time

1 hour

Servings

This recipe makes approximately 4-6 servings, depending on portion size.

Calories (Kcal)

Approximately 150–200 kcal per serving, depending on the amount of oil and sugar used.

Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless

The Stewed Cabbage with Carrots and Onions recipe is a perfect example of how simple, humble ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying. Cabbage has long been a staple in kitchens around the world, especially in colder climates, where it’s grown in abundance. It’s versatile, nutritious, and incredibly affordable, which is why it has remained a beloved dish for generations.

This recipe is timeless because it combines basic ingredients that are often found in home kitchens, yet the resulting dish is full of flavor. Cabbage, when stewed, becomes tender and flavorful, absorbing the rich tomato paste and sweet notes from the carrots and sugar. The addition of onions brings a natural sweetness, while the tomato paste adds a savory depth to the dish. The sugar balances the acidity of the cabbage, creating a perfectly harmonious flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

This dish also offers incredible versatility. You can enjoy it on its own for a simple, vegetarian meal, or you can pair it with meats like sausage, bacon, or chicken for a heartier dish. It can be served as a side to complement roasted meats or stews, making it an essential recipe for any home cook to have in their repertoire.

Moreover, this recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Cabbage is packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal. It’s also easy to make in large batches, making it ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 150–200 kcal

Protein: 2–3 g
Carbohydrates: 30–35 g
Fat: 5–6 g

Saturated Fat: 0–1 g
Fiber: 5–7 g
Sugar: 7–10 g

Sodium: 400–500 mg
Potassium: 400–500 mg

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan if you use vegetable oil and skip any added animal-based ingredients. It’s naturally plant-based and perfect for a vegan meal.

2. Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! If you’d like to add some protein, feel free to stir in cooked sausage, bacon, or even chicken. These meats pair wonderfully with the cabbage and will add even more flavor to the stew.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, the flavors continue to develop and improve over time. It’s an excellent make-ahead dish that’s perfect for meal prepping.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you prefer a spicier version of this dish, you can add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even fresh chopped chili peppers when cooking the cabbage. Adjust the spice level according to your taste.

Tips on How to Make

Don’t skip the sugar: While it might seem unusual to add sugar to a savory dish, it balances the natural acidity of the cabbage and creates a more rounded flavor.
Stir occasionally: As the cabbage stews, be sure to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Adjust liquid levels: If the cabbage is too dry during cooking, you can add more water or vegetable broth to keep it moist and tender.

Storage Tips

In the fridge: Store leftover stewed cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
In the freezer: If you want to store this dish for longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

The Stewed Cabbage with Carrots and Onions is a classic recipe that is both simple and nourishing. Its timeless appeal lies in the way basic ingredients come together to create a dish that is flavorful, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed as the main course, this recipe is a perfect way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to be customized make it a must-try for home cooks. And with its health benefits and ability to feed a crowd, it’s a dish that will continue to bring people together around the table for years to come.