The real creativity of the modern Israeli food scene is the reinvention of fresh vegetables from the Shuk into culinary masterpieces. Grilled cauliflower steaks. Tahini eggplant. Crispy chickpeas. One of our favorites straight off the restaurant menus in Tel Aviv is melted cabbage. It comes with the rich delicious flavor of stuffed cabbage, minus the meat and all that tedious labor.
Going meatless occasionally is good for the planet and even better for your health.
The humble cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s low in calories but packed with nutrition, including Vitamin K, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, folate, manganese, magnesium and potassium. It is rich in antioxidants that help to reduce chronic inflammation and the soluble fiber and phytosterols help lower LDL cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol).
In this recipe, slow braising the cabbage releases the flavor without making the cabbage into wilted mush. The tomato paste is enlivened with fresh garlic, cumin and coriander. We finish off with a generous swirl of Silan, but you could substitute with a tablespoon or two of brown sugar. Some Israeli chefs add feta cheese at the end of baking, but we prefer to keep ours vegan.
So easy, so healthy and so incredibly tasty.
Happy eating!
Melted Cabbage
1/2 cup olive oil, divided
1 green cabbage, cut in wedges
1/2 cup tomato paste
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups of water
Silan, for drizzling
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In an ovenproof skillet, heat half the olive oil and brown the cabbage, about 5 minutes each side.
Transfer to a plate.
Add remaining oil to skillet, and heat over medium flame.
Add tomato paste, garlic and spices and sauté for 5 minutes.
Add water, stir well and bring to a boil.
Place cabbage in the sauce and drizzle with silan.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.
Rachel Sheff and Sharon Gomperts have been friends since high school. They love cooking and sharing recipes. They have collaborated on Sephardic Educational Center projects and community cooking classes. Follow them on Instagram @sephardicspicegirls and on Facebook at Sephardic Spice SEC Food.
