Contents
Introduction
Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, from sautéing to roasting to steaming. But one of the most popular ways to prepare cabbage is to cook it down, a process that slowly braises the vegetables until they are tender and sweet. Cooked down cabbage is delicious served as a side dish or used in soups, salads, and even sandwiches. In this tutorial, award-winning journalist Lily Morgan will teach you how to cook down cabbage in four simple steps.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, you’ll need to make sure you have the following ingredients and supplies:
- 1-2 heads of cabbage, depending on size
- 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A large skillet or Dutch oven
- A sharp knife
Step One: Preparing the Cabbage
The first step is to prepare the cabbage. Start by removing any wilted or browned leaves and discarding them. Then, cut the cabbage into thin strips, discarding the core. You can use a sharp knife to do this, or if you have a food processor with a shredding attachment, that will work too.
Step Two: Cooking the Cabbage
Once your cabbage is prepared, it’s time to start cooking. Heat your butter or oil in the skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the cabbage strips and stir to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, stirring occasionally.
Step Three: Braising the Cabbage
Now it’s time to braise the cabbage. Continue to cook the cabbage over low heat, stirring occasionally. As the cabbage cooks, it will start to soften and release some of its liquid. Keep cooking until the cabbage is very soft and the liquid has been reduced.
Step Four: Serving the Cabbage
When the cabbage is cooked to your liking, it’s time to serve. You can serve the cooked down cabbage as a side dish, or use it in soups, salads, or sandwiches. It’s also delicious topped with a dollop of sour cream or crumbled bacon.
Conclusion
Cooking down cabbage is a delicious and easy way to prepare this versatile vegetable. In four simple steps, you can create a tasty side dish or use it to enhance any number of dishes. So don’t be afraid to give it a try – you may find that cooking down cabbage is the way to go! As the song says, “nothing’s as good as cooking down cabbage, no matter the weather!”
