Madras Cabbage Steaks

When most people think of cabbage, they are probably used to seeing it traditional cole slaw recipes, or with corned beef right? Once in a while, I think people will use it in meat-stuffed cabbage rolls (which happen to be really delicious in my opinion) or salads.

But did you know that you can make cabbage the main dish at any meal? Actually, how about having “cabbage steaks?” What do you think – are you up to trying this?

Madras Cabbage Steaks are thick, slices of cabbage soaked in a buttery, spiced sauce with lots of Indian spices. The cabbage is both baked AND broiled, resulting in this amazing texture to the vegetable where it is has a slight crunch, but has completely absorbed all the seasoning in each bite! There is a delicious crust that forms at the top that will make you want more and more! And I know this to be true, because I have a plate right next to me with big, meaty slices that I just keep taking bites out of as I’m writing! Haha!

Here’s the recipe for my Indian-influenced cabbage steaks. This particular recipe really changes the cabbage from being boring and mostly ignored, if possible to a “front & center” dish you will want to keep on repeat a lot more than you think!

I have also added a quick recipe for a flavorful yogurt sauce you can drizzle on top of each serving. It really adds to the flavor of the sauce used in this recipe and makes it a bit more luxurious with a creamier sauce texture!

Okay..here you go!

MADRAS CABBAGE STEAKS

Servings: 6-7

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cabbage
• 1 stick of butter (melted)
• ½ cup of olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp. onion powder
• 1 Tbsp. Madras curry powder (hot)
• 1 cup vegetable broth (OR chicken broth)
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin powder
• ¼ cup lime juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Clean and dry cabbage head by removing all wrinkly, frayed leaves on top.
3. Hold cabbage where stem is at bottom. Cut cabbage from top to bottom to ensure cabbage steaks stay intact. (Cutting from the side will make the steaks fall apart quickly)
4. Place cabbage steaks flat in a large baking pan.
5. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, salt, cumin powder and lime juice. Mix everything together with spoon or small whisk to combine all ingredients.
6. Pour spiced butter mixture all over each cabbage steak. The masala powders will stick to top to create a crust on the cabbage when baked.
7. Pour vegetable or chicken broth on sides and some on top of each cabbage steak.
8. Place in oven and bake on middle rack for 50 minutes.
9. After time, broil for 5 minutes to get a slight char on each cabbage steak.
10. Remove from heat and serve hot with some plain rice or side salad.

NOTE: For a QUICK SAUCE TO GARNISH/DRIZZLE on the cabbage steaks, you may follow this optional recipe to add to each serving.

1. Mix 1 cup of plain yogurt with ½ tsp salt, 1 Tbsp of chopped cilantro or parsley, and 1 tsp of cumin powder, and 1-2 Tbsp milk or water. Mix well till smooth and creamy. Drizzle on top of each wedge as an added sauce option.

This dish is a perfect vegetarian option for anyone. Or, a great way to add more vegetables into your diet. I’m pretty sure you will be able to impress those picky eaters with this new way of eating cabbage!

Let me know your thoughts about this recipe! And if you try it, let me know by tagging me on IG @cmspiceculture, FB at “Spice Culture Cooking” or feel free to comment below!

Enjoy! :O)