Mediterranean-Style Sautéed Cabbage Recipe
A Simple Yet Flavorful Mediterranean Cabbage Stir-Fry
This is a delightful Mediterranean-style stir-fried cabbage dish, easy to prepare in a short amount of time using fresh cabbage. The aromatic garlic and chili peppers meld beautifully with the sweetness of the cabbage, making it a perfect appetite stimulant. It serves wonderfully as a side dish for rice or can be enjoyed on its own. The addition of olive oil enhances its health benefits and contributes to a delicious meal.
Key Ingredients
- 200g fresh cabbage (about 1/4 of a medium head)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 Korean green chilies (Cheongyang peppers)
- 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 50ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 200g of cabbage. Remove any wilted outer leaves, wash it thoroughly under running water, and gently pat it dry. Cut the cabbage into bite-sized square pieces, about 1 cm in size. Cutting it this way helps it absorb flavors well and gives a pleasant texture when cooked.
Step 2
Peel 2 cloves of garlic and slice them thinly into rounds. This will infuse a subtle garlic aroma, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor profile.
Step 3
Trim the stems off 2 Korean green chilies, wash them, and finely chop them without removing the seeds. The spicy kick from the chilies will balance any richness and add a clean finish to the dish. Feel free to add one more if you enjoy more heat.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and chopped green chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5
Once the aromatics are fragrant, add all the pre-cut cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry the cabbage for 1-2 minutes until it starts to wilt slightly. Then, season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper, distributing evenly.
Step 6
Pour 50ml of water into the pan, preferably around the edges. Immediately cover the pan with a lid and steam-cook for about 2-3 minutes. This steaming process will tenderize the cabbage, enhance its natural sweetness, and make it wonderfully moist. Remove the lid, check the cabbage for your desired tenderness, and cook for another minute if needed to finish.
