Savoy cabbage is a wonderfully tender, mild-flavored cabbage variety with crinkly, deep green leaves that add texture and color to any meal. If you’re wondering how to cook savoy cabbage, you’re in for a treat! This article will walk you through easy, tasty ways to prepare savoy cabbage, from sautéing and roasting to simple buttered cabbage, with tips to enhance its natural sweetness and nutrition.
Why Cook Savoy Cabbage?
Savoy cabbage is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. It’s gentle on the stomach compared to other cabbages and cooks quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or healthy side dishes. Its tender leaves absorb flavors well, so it pairs beautifully with garlic, spices, and citrus.
Preparing Savoy Cabbage for Cooking
Start by removing any damaged or wilted outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the tough core. From there, you can slice it into thin shreds for sautéing or cut into wedges for roasting. Because savoy cabbage leaves are delicate and crinkly, they cook faster than green cabbage and don’t need long cooking times.
Easy Ways to Cook Savoy Cabbage
1. Sautéed Savoy Cabbage with Garlic and Lemon
Sautéing is one of the simplest and most flavorful ways to cook savoy cabbage.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds savoy cabbage, shredded
– 1½ tablespoons olive oil or butter
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Juice of half a lemon
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shredded cabbage, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cabbage just before serving to brighten the flavors.
This method brings out the cabbage’s natural sweetness and adds a lovely garlicky zing.
2. Buttered Savoy Cabbage (Irish Style)
For a comforting, classic side, try buttered savoy cabbage.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb savoy cabbage, cut into pieces
– 3 tablespoons good quality butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Optional: crispy bacon strips for garnish
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Toss in the cabbage pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add a splash of water, cover, and cook until tender (about 10 minutes).
- Finish with an extra knob of butter and garnish with crispy bacon if desired.
This buttery method is simple, rich, and perfect alongside meats or mashed potatoes.
3. Roasted Savoy Cabbage Wedges
Roasting savoy cabbage caramelizes its edges, creating a delicious nutty flavor.
Instructions:
- Cut the cabbage into thick wedges, keeping the core intact to hold the leaves together.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping once, until browned and tender.
Roasting is a great way to enjoy cabbage’s texture contrast between crispy edges and soft centers.
4. Spiced Savoy Cabbage
Add warmth and complexity by cooking savoy cabbage with spices.
Ingredients:
– ½ small savoy cabbage, shredded
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds
– Pinch of fennel seeds
– ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
– 1 small sliced onion
– 1–2 cm diced ginger
– ¼ teaspoon curry powder
– ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Heat oil and toast mustard and fennel seeds until fragrant.
- Add onion, ginger, and spices; sauté briefly.
- Stir in cabbage and water, cover, and cook until tender.
This Indian-inspired version adds a lovely aromatic twist to the humble cabbage.
Tips for Cooking Savoy Cabbage
– Avoid overcooking to keep the leaves tender but not mushy.
– Use fresh lemon or lime juice at the end to brighten flavors.
– Add garlic and spices for depth and interest.
– Cooking with a bit of fat (olive oil, butter, or bacon fat) enhances flavor and texture.
– If shredding by hand, be careful with the delicate leaves; a mandoline or food processor can speed prep.
What to Serve with Savoy Cabbage
Savoy cabbage is a versatile side that pairs well with:
– Roasted or pan-fried chicken
– Pork chops or sausages
– Fish like salmon
– Vegetarian mains such as tofu or lentils
– Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
Its mild flavor complements both hearty and light dishes, making it a reliable vegetable to keep in your rotation.
Savoy cabbage is easy to cook and incredibly nutritious. Whether you sauté it with garlic and lemon, butter it Irish-style, roast it to caramelized perfection, or spice it up with warming seasonings, it’s a delicious way to enjoy this underrated vegetable. Give these methods a try and discover your favorite way to cook savoy cabbage!
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this versatile, healthy green!