Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Beer-Braised Cabbage

I have been told that cabbage is just cabbage and that it's nothing to get excited about. True! I was one of those people last winter when I thought I would scream if I had to eat anymore cabbage. However, this year I have embraced cabbage and it is giving my nothing but love in return. I found this recipe in Cooking for Two: 2010 and it has made me rethink cooked cabbage. Cabbage is not just for slaw.
Braising is making a flavorful liquid and then cooking something in that liquid. Everything that goes into this liquid is amazing - butter, onions, beer, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. The only complaint I have is that it seemed like a lot more than just two servings. I used six cups of thinly sliced cabbage, but next time I'll only use three or four. Honestly, I hope to get a food scale soon! So maybe all of this can be avoided in the future.

I served this alongside roast chicken and root vegetables (recipe coming soon) and it was the perfect winter night meal.

Have you had a revelation about a winter vegetable yet? (Radishes maybe?)







Beer-Braised Cabbage
(Serves two)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion
1/2 cup beer (mild American lager)
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 small head green cabbage (12 ounces), cored and sliced thin (about 6 cups)
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
Salt and pepper

1. Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the beer, mustard, and thyme, bring to a simmer, and cooking until thickened slightly, 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Stir in the cabbage and vinegar, cover, and cook stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and tender, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

2 comments:

  1. Haha, I'm pretty sure the radishes comment was directed at me! Seriously folks, I had never even HAD a radish before I moved in with Mandy. Now her cooked radishes with chicken recipe is one of my favorites, and I even like them raw (which is rare for me, I don't like raw veggies in general). We just bought a big bag of them at the grocery store last night, so more fun with radishes to come!

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  2. Actually, I was talking about my own revelation with radishes. I never liked them before (in their raw form), but cooked is pretty amazing.

    But I am glad you like radishes.

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