The humble cabbage is one of the most underrated vegetables in our Western culture. It is more highly regarded in Eastern cuisines. Part of the reason it is not valued is because it has an association with being a poor man’s staple.
I think that is what makes it so much more intriguing. It is the foods that the upper classes have historically discarded that are becoming centerpieces on the farm-to-table menus right now.
The common green or red cabbage is easy to grow, available all year round, and very inexpensive. A head of cabbage will store well for weeks in a root cellar or refrigerator without spoiling. And, its versatility in dishes is vast.
Cabbage can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of ways. I happen to love cabbage and enjoy cooking it on my George Foreman Grill.
Nutritional Value of Cabbage
Fresh cabbage is extremely low in calories and has zero cholesterol. It is also a great source of dietary fiber. You won’t out on weight eating cabbage. In fact, the once popular Scarsdale Diet consisted of eating cabbage almost daily to assist in weight loss.
This cruciferous vegetable is loaded with antioxidants to help protect us from diseases. It is also a good source of B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Vitamin K plays an important role in brain and bone health.
Cabbage is rich in minerals, especially manganese and iron. Manganese helps the body to create enzymes for building strong bones. Iron supports blood cell formation.
Grilling Cabbage
Most of us associate cabbage with three preparations: coleslaw, sauerkraut, and the traditional St. Patrick’s Day boiled cabbage with corned beef and potatoes. In Japan, cabbage is the base for a popular pancake or “pizza” called okonomiyaki. Cabbage is also a main ingredient in stir fries and is used to make kimchi. It is terrific stuffed and baked, or used in gratins, soups, stews, and flatbreads.
But, the way I like cabbage the best is grilled. The outer leaves get charred and crispy, while the center becomes tender and buttery. While cabbage does have a strong flavor, it will take on seasoning and sauces really well when cooked. Cooking cabbage mellows its inherently sulfuric notes.
I have grilled cabbage on a flame grill with mixed results. I recently decided to try it on my smaller George Foreman Grill. I admit that I feared it would steam and not char. I was expecting so-so results. Well, I was wrong. Here is a super simple recipe that yields the best-grilled cabbage all year round.
Heavenly Grilled Cabbage with Asian Inspired Glaze
Ingredients
Grilled Cabbage Ingredients:
- 1 head of green or red cabbage green is a little less bitter
- extra virgin olive oil EVOO
- sea salt and pepper to taste
- dried herbs choose from thyme, rosemary, or caraway seeds
Asian Inspired Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
Grilled Cabbage
- Heat the grill to high.
- Slice the cabbage into one inch thick rounds or steaks. You can cut the head in half down through the core first and then slice. Coat both sides with olive oil, salt & pepper, and the dried herb of choice.
- Place the cabbage slices on the grill and close the top. Cook for 10 minutes until edges are crispy and inner leaves are tender. Depending on the size of your grill, you will likely have to do this in batches. Keep cooked slices warm in a low oven.
- You can serve as is or rough chop the cabbage and top with an Asian inspired glaze drizzled over the it.
Asian Inspired Glaze:
- Start this approximately 8 minutes before grilling the cabbage.
- In a small saucepan, mix the vinegar, honey, tamari, and ginger. Bring to a boil and then turn down to a slow simmer. Cook until reduced to the point where the glaze coats the back of a spoon, stirring occasionally. This will take approximately 18 minutes.
- Drizzle the warm glaze over the chopped, grilled cabbage and serve.
Notes
- This cabbage side dish pairs nicely with thinly sliced and grilled pork and grilled fruit, such as peaches or figs.
- The glaze can go over all components. This is a lovely summer dinner to enjoy outdoors with a glass of prosecco.
Nutrition
Tips for Vegans
If you are someone who doesn’t eat any animal products, try the Foreman grilled cabbage recipe as the main attraction. Leave the rounds of cabbage whole and serve them as a “steak” centerpiece.
For the glaze, substitute pure maple syrup for the honey. The fruit is still a good side. Other sides you might consider are corn or onions prepared on the Foreman Grill.
I love my George Forman Grills!!!!! I have been using them since they first came out but I never tried them for veggies until I recently purchased a new grill and the veggies are so awesome !!!! Vegetables have never tasted so good and so much flavor. Now I am trying all kinds of new recipes. thanks. JOY
I loved this, added a little tahini to the sauce as well.