I can’t tell you how much I adore cabbage these days. It’s seriously one of my favourite things to eat.
And while it’s amazing raw in salads and coleslaw, it’s hard to go past a big bowl of soft spiced cabbage spiked with salty feta.
Beats pasta any day.
And it’s much quicker than good old spaghetti or penne too!
Plus cabbage lasts in the fridge for weeks and weeks. So this is practically a pantry recipe.
I always have a cabbage in the fridge so know I can pull together a comforting dinner whenever I need a backup plan .
enough for: 2
takes: 30 minutes
net carbs: 21g per serve
1/2 small (1/4 large) cabbage (about 800g / 28oz)
3-4 teaspoon curry powder
1-2 teaspoons soy sauce
200g (7oz) feta, crumbled
100g (3.5oz) roast almonds or other nuts
1 bunch parsley or coriander (cilantro), optional
1. Slice cabbage into ribbons about 1cm (1/2in) thick. Heat a large saucepan on a medium high heat. Add a generous glug of oil and pile the cabbage into the pot. Add a splash of water and cover with a lid.
2. Cook with the lid on for 5-10 minutes stirring every now and then. If it starts to burn add another few tablespoons water and reduce the heat to medium.
3. When the cabbage is no longer crunchy and like cooked pasta, add the curry powder and stir well. Cook for another minute or so until you can smell the curry aromas.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in soy sauce. Add crumbled feta. Taste and season with more soy or some salt if needed.
5. Divide warm cabbage between two bowls. Top with nuts and fresh herbs (if using). Enjoy the comforting goodness.
WINE MATCH: A crisp riesling or cold beer.
Variations & Substitutions
keto / ultra low carb – replace half the cabbage with baby spinach leaves (just stir in at the end) OR replace all the cabbage with chard / spinach / other leafy greens. And use macadamias as your nuts.
dairy-free – replace feta with bacon, cooked chicken, cooked chickpeas or eggs. If using eggs just cook for an extra minute, stirring until the egg is just set and looks like little cheesy curds.
different cheese – golden pan fried cubes of halloumi are worth getting another pot dirty! Or use soft goats cheese, labneh or shaved parmesan.
more substantial (carb lovers) – cooked pasta, roast veg (sweet potato is fab) or serve with warm pita.
more substantial (low carb) – add some eggs, extra nuts, chunks of avocado or serve with some mayo.
low FODMAP – use macadamias instead of the almonds. And replace 1/2 the cabbage with baby spinach.
family-friendly / different spice – use a mild curry powder or try a mix of ground cumin, coriander and smoked paprika.
different vegetables – kale, spinach, silverbeet, chard or collard greens are all great. Roast veg are lovely with the curry and feta. If you want to use cauliflower or broccoli best to boil them until tender and drain before sauteing in the oil and curry powder. If you have time soften an onion before you cook the cabbage for extra depth of flavour.
different protein – eggs cooked into the cabbage are amazing! Also see the different cheese ideas. Crumbled sausages or minced meat can also work (be prepared to add more soy and curry powder though).
Waste Avoidance Strategy
cabbage – will keep in a plastic bag in the fridge for weeks, even months. Can be frozen but will have a wilted texture once defrosted.
curry powder / soy sauce / roast almonds or other nuts – keep them in the pantry.
feta – keeps for months unopened in its packet. Or can be frozen. Or you could make a marinated feta by putting it in a super clean jar from the dishwasher and covering with oil and then keeping it in the fridge. Sometimes I like to add flavourings like bay leaves, lemon zest and pepper corns or chilli.
parsley or coriander (cilantro) – best to use for another meal. Can be frozen but will wilt when defrosted.
Prepare Ahead
Yes! Just cook as per the recipe but keep the herbs and nuts separately. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks or can be frozen. To serve, warm in a pan with a little oil then finish with the herbs and nuts.
