Description
A quick and flavorful sautéed cabbage dish enhanced with aromatic fennel seeds, spicy red chilli, and fragrant garlic. This recipe uses a steam-fry technique to soften the cabbage while retaining a delightful crunch and subtle caramelized edges, making it a perfect side for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 garlic clove, finely sliced
- ½ red chilli, finely sliced
- 1 pointed or hispi cabbage, cut into 6 wedges
Instructions
- Heat the oil and fennel seeds: Place a large frying pan or wok over medium heat, then add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp fennel seeds. Sizzle them for 1-2 minutes until the fennel seeds start to crackle, releasing their aroma.
- Add garlic and chilli: Add the finely sliced garlic clove and half a finely sliced red chilli to the pan. Cook for a further 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add the cabbage: Add the 6 wedges of pointed or hispi cabbage to the pan. It may seem overcrowded at first, but the cabbage will begin to wilt quickly.
- Sauté the cabbage: Cook the cabbage for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges start to color and caramelize.
- Steam-fry the cabbage: Increase the heat and pour about 50ml of water into the pan. Cover and allow the cabbage to steam-fry for a few minutes until all the water has evaporated. The cabbage should be wilted but still retain its shape and slight crunch.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked cabbage to a serving dish and enjoy warm as a delicious vegetable side.
Notes
- Use a pointed or hispi cabbage for a sweeter, more delicate flavor and tender texture.
- Adjust the amount of red chilli to your preferred level of heat or omit it for a milder dish.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will impart a bitter taste; cook it until just golden.
- If you don’t have a lid for your pan, you can loosely cover it with foil when steaming the cabbage.
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or can be enjoyed as a light vegetarian side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: cabbage recipe, fennel seeds, garlic, chilli, vegetarian side dish, stovetop cooking, steam-fry cabbage
