Purple Cabbage Recipes: Delicious Ways to Cook This Vibrant Vegetable

Let's face it, purple cabbage is a bit of a showstopper, isn't it? You see it in the supermarket and it's like, "Whoa, where did that come from?" It's like a burst of colour in a sea of green and yellow. For a long time, I was a bit intimidated by it. I'd seen it in recipes, but never felt quite brave enough to give it a go. I don't know what held me back exactly, maybe I was stuck in a veggie rut, or maybe it just seemed a bit too fancy.

Well, let me tell you, my dear reader, that fear was totally unfounded. Purple cabbage is an absolute revelation! It's not just pretty to look at - it's packed with flavour and versatility. And the best part? It's actually incredibly simple to cook with.

Over the past few months, I've been on a bit of a purple cabbage journey, exploring different ways to use this wonderful ingredient. And I'm so excited to share my discoveries with you! From simple salads to hearty stews, from crispy chips to delightful dips, I've found so many delicious ways to incorporate this vibrant vegetable into my everyday meals. You know, I'm the kind of cook who likes to get creative, but I also appreciate a good, reliable recipe. So we'll cover both, the straightforward and the more adventurous.

So grab your aprons, friends, and get ready to join me on this culinary adventure. I promise you won't regret it!

(Part 1) – The Many Faces of Purple Cabbage

The first thing you'll probably notice about purple cabbage is its stunning colour. It's like a jewel, reflecting different shades of purple depending on the light. And the thing is, this beauty goes beyond the surface. The flavour of purple cabbage is surprisingly nuanced – sweet, slightly spicy, and with a hint of earthiness. You'll be surprised how it can be both delicate and bold, depending on how you prepare it.

From Salads to Stews: A Versatile Ingredient

I love how versatile purple cabbage is. It's perfect for light and refreshing salads, adding a beautiful colour and a satisfying crunch. But it also holds up beautifully in heartier dishes like stews and braises, where its flavour can meld with other ingredients to create complex and comforting meals.

The texture of purple cabbage is another thing I appreciate. It's firm but not tough, making it a pleasure to eat. You can slice it thinly for salads, shred it for coleslaw, or chop it into larger pieces for stews.

The nutritional powerhouse

Purple cabbage is not just a pretty face, it's also a nutritional powerhouse! It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It's a good source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system, as well as vitamin K, which is important for healthy bones. It also contains fibre, which is great for digestion. You know, it's one of those vegetables that makes you feel good inside and out.

Where to Find Purple Cabbage

You can usually find purple cabbage at most supermarkets, alongside its green counterpart. If you're lucky, you might even find it at local farmers' markets, where it's often fresh and vibrant. Look for heads that are firm and have a good colour, and make sure there aren't any signs of damage or wilting.

(Part 2) – Simple and Savoury: Easy Purple Cabbage Recipes

Ready to get cooking? Let's start with some simple and savoury recipes that showcase the versatility of purple cabbage. These are perfect for those who are new to the purple cabbage world or those who just want a quick and delicious meal.

1. Crunchy Purple Cabbage Salad

This is my go-to salad when I'm looking for something quick and refreshing. It's so simple, yet so delicious! You can throw it together in minutes and it's always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 small purple cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Dressing of your choice: I love a simple vinaigrette

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Toss to coat with dressing.
3. Serve immediately or chill for later. This salad is great both chilled and at room temperature, so it's perfect for picnics or potlucks.

2. Spicy Purple Cabbage Slaw

This slaw packs a punch! The tangy dressing and the heat from the chili flakes give it a real kick. It's great as a side dish for BBQ or grilled meats, or it can even be served as a topping for tacos or burritos.

Ingredients

• 1 small purple cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, and onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavours really meld together after chilling, so don't skip this step!

3. Purple Cabbage and Apple Soup

This soup is perfect for a chilly day. It's warm, comforting, and packed with flavour. You know, the kind of soup that makes you feel all cozy and happy.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small purple cabbage, chopped
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in the cabbage, apples, and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the cabbage and apples are tender.
6. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. I like to leave a few chunks of cabbage and apple for texture, but that's up to you!
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve garnished with fresh parsley. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of crème fra??che is a delicious addition.

(Part 3) – Beyond the Basics: Exploring More Creative Purple Cabbage Recipes

Now that we've got the basics covered, let's dive into some more creative and adventurous recipes! We're going to explore some different ways to cook and flavour purple cabbage. These recipes are a bit more involved, but the results are truly delicious.

4. Purple Cabbage and chickpea curry

This curry is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian meal. The purple cabbage adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavour that complements the chickpeas beautifully. It's a great meal for a weeknight dinner, and it's also perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 small purple cabbage, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute more. Be careful not to burn the spices, as they can become bitter.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and purple cabbage.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. You can add a little water if the curry becomes too thick.
6. Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to taste the curry and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Serve over rice or naan bread. You can also add a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped cashews for extra flavour and texture.

5. Purple Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

This skillet dish is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. It's hearty, flavourful, and comes together in just a few minutes. You can use any type of sausage you like, but I find that italian sausage works particularly well with the sweet and tangy flavour of purple cabbage.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small purple cabbage, chopped
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Don't be afraid to get a bit messy, as the browned bits will add flavour to the dish.
3. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more.
4. Stir in the cabbage, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. The chicken broth will help to create a saucy base for the skillet.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Serve garnished with fresh basil. You can also serve this skillet with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

6. Purple Cabbage Fritters

These fritters are a fun and delicious way to use up leftover purple cabbage. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they're perfect served with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. These fritters are also great for a light lunch or a snack.

Ingredients

• 1 small purple cabbage, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, flour, Parmesan cheese, baking powder, salt, and pepper. You want the cabbage to be finely shredded, as this will help the fritters hold their shape.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the cabbage mixture and stir until just combined. Don't overmix, as this can make the fritters tough.
4. Heat a thin layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough, otherwise the fritters will soak up too much oil.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the cabbage batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. If you overcrowd the skillet, the fritters won't cook evenly.
6. Cook the fritters for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can test for doneness by poking a fritter with a fork; it should be cooked through.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. I love serving these with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of honey mustard.

(Part 4) – The Sweet Side of Purple Cabbage

Who says purple cabbage has to be savoury? It's also surprisingly delicious in sweet dishes! It's like the chameleon of the culinary world, blending seamlessly into both savory and sweet dishes.

7. Purple Cabbage and Apple Chutney

This chutney is a vibrant and flavourful addition to any meal. It's sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, and it goes perfectly with roasted chicken, pork, or fish. It's also delicious served with cheese and crackers or as a topping for sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small purple cabbage, chopped
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cabbage, apples, raisins, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using) and stir to combine.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chutney has thickened. You'll know it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
5. Let cool slightly before serving. The chutney will continue to thicken as it cools.

8. Purple Cabbage and Cranberry Salad

This salad is a beautiful and festive dish, perfect for holiday gatherings. The sweet and tangy flavour combination is a real crowd-pleaser. It's also a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 small purple cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• Dressing of your choice: I like a simple vinaigrette with a touch of honey

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Toss to coat with dressing.
3. Serve immediately or chill for later. This salad is great served chilled, so it's perfect for a summer potluck or picnic.

(Part 5) – The Art of Preserving Purple Cabbage

Let's be honest, sometimes we have more purple cabbage than we know what to do with. That's when the art of preserving comes in handy! Preserving purple cabbage not only allows you to enjoy its flavour year-round, but it also gives you a chance to experiment with different flavour profiles.

9. Fermented Purple Cabbage (Kimchi)

Fermented purple cabbage, or kimchi, is a Korean staple. It's a tangy and spicy dish that's bursting with flavour. It's also incredibly healthy, packed with probiotics and antioxidants. Think of it as a delicious, fermented powerhouse that's good for your gut and your taste buds.

Now, I'll admit, making kimchi can be a bit involved. There are a lot of steps and specific ingredients. You'll need to find some Korean gochugaru (Korean chili pepper flakes) and other traditional ingredients. But trust me, it's worth the effort! And if you're really feeling adventurous, I highly recommend giving it a go. There are many online resources and recipes available to guide you. It's a rewarding experience, and you'll be amazed at the depth of flavour that fermentation brings to the purple cabbage.

10. Pickled Purple Cabbage

This is a much simpler way to preserve purple cabbage, and it's a great way to add a bit of tang to your meals. Pickled purple cabbage can be enjoyed as a side dish, or added to sandwiches and salads. It's like a little burst of flavour that can take your meals to the next level.

Ingredients

• 1 small purple cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaf.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld and the brine to thicken slightly.
3. Pack the shredded cabbage tightly into a clean jar. Make sure the jar is sterilized to prevent spoilage.
4. Pour the hot brine over the cabbage, making sure it’s completely submerged. You want to make sure the cabbage is completely covered to prevent it from turning brown.
5. Seal the jar tightly and let cool completely. You can let it cool at room temperature or place it in the fridge to cool.
6. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. This allows the cabbage to pickle and absorb the flavours of the brine.

(Part 6) – The Unexpected Delight: Purple Cabbage Chips

Remember when I said purple cabbage was versatile? Well, I wasn't kidding! It's even delicious as chips! Who would have thought that a humble vegetable could be transformed into such a crunchy and satisfying snack?

11. Crispy Purple Cabbage Chips

These chips are a fun and healthy alternative to potato chips. They're light and crispy, with a slightly sweet and earthy flavour. They're perfect for dipping in hummus, guacamole, or even a bit of salsa.

Ingredients

• 1 small purple cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). You want a low temperature to allow the chips to dry out and crisp up.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the chips from sticking to the baking sheet.
3. In a large bowl, toss the cabbage slices with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the cabbage is evenly coated with the olive oil and seasonings.
4. Spread the cabbage slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, or the chips won't cook evenly.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chips are crispy. Check the chips frequently to make sure they don't burn.
6. Let cool completely before serving. The chips will continue to crisp up as they cool.

(Part 7) – Purple Cabbage: A culinary journey

My journey with purple cabbage has been a delightful one, filled with flavour, colour, and endless possibilities. It's not just a vegetable, it's a canvas for creativity, a blank page waiting for your culinary ideas to unfold.

I've learned that purple cabbage can be both simple and sophisticated, comforting and exciting. It's a chameleon in the kitchen, adapting to any style and flavour profile. It's a testament to the fact that even the most unassuming of ingredients can surprise us with their versatility and deliciousness.

(Part 8) – Purple Cabbage: Beyond the Plate

But the beauty of purple cabbage doesn't stop at the plate. Its vibrant colour makes it a delightful addition to any table setting. It's like a little splash of colour that can instantly brighten up your dining table. And if you're looking for a creative way to use up your scraps, try drying the leaves and using them as natural food dye! You can create beautiful, natural colours for your baking or crafting projects.

The world of purple cabbage is a vast and exciting one, and I'm just beginning to explore it. I encourage you to do the same! Experiment, try new things, and let your imagination run wild. You might be surprised at the delicious and creative dishes you can create with this vibrant vegetable. I guarantee you'll discover a whole new world of flavour and inspiration.

FAQs

Now, let's answer some common questions about purple cabbage:

So there you have it! I hope this journey into the world of purple cabbage has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen. It's all about trying new things, experimenting with flavours, and discovering the joys of cooking. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to cooking, so don't be afraid to experiment and have fun! Enjoy!