Italian Cabbage Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

Italian cabbage with sweet and smoky notes from fennel, tomato, onion and smoked paprika. Add some buttery cannellini beans or some plant based sausage to make a meal of things. It’s the perfect meatless weeknight dinner, easy, super flavorful and nutritious.

Jump to RecipeItalian Cabbage

A peasant type meal I remember my grandpa making often after a long day in the fields. It makes use of common and cheap ingredients that fill the belly and satisfy the soul. There are endless delicious ways to cook cabbage in many cultures: from braising, sautéing/frying, stuffing the leaves, pickling, to soups, stews and salads, but this hearty Italian style cabbage recipe is always at the very top of my list.

Ingredient Notes

  • The Cabbage – any regular green cabbage that you find at your local market will do here. Savoy cabbage (or cavolo verza in Italian) is perfect if you prefer a milder taste, it has pretty lacy wrinkly deep green leaves that are loosely packed however, so you might want to use an entire head of it in this recipe.
  • Onion – go for a large thinly sliced onion of your choosing. I had a beautiful sweet Vidalia sitting on my kitchen counter but purple / red is perfectly fine too and its super pretty. It’s very important to get them crispy in some hot olive oil until the sugars start to caramelize. We aren’t looking for slowly caramelized onions here, we just want a lot of color so the sugars start to concentrate.
  • Fennel – add some of those classic Italian seeds at the beginning to toast with the onion, then add more later just before your dish is ready to infuse some new life into it. It’s all about creating different layers of flavors here.
  • Tomato paste – you want something thick and concentrated for richness and depth of flavor. Traditionally Passata (a smooth tomato puree) is also used when making Italian cabbage, i insist that tomato paste is so much better in this recipe. It’s thick and sweet and won’t dilute your dish but also it won’t be extra tomatoey. After all, this dish is about the cabbage and onions!
  • Smoked paprika + liquid smoke – I used both as i feel they each contribute something unique to the dish. Forget the fatty pancetta, this combo makes everything taste like a great Italian sausage but without the cholesterol and cruelty. If you don’t have any liquid smoke just up the smoked paprika by 1/2 teaspoon or so to your taste then get some liquid smoke in that pantry.
  • Cannellini beans – buttery Italian beans very popular in southern Italy and in the daily life of yours truly. However in this recipe they are actually an afterthought, a fabulous attempt to make a hearty meal of things. It feels like they truly belong in this recipe yet you could skip them altogether and still end up with a fantastic cabbage dish. Use the canned ones, they will just take on all the wonderful flavors you have going on already.

How to Make Italian Cabbage

  1. Start by frying lots of onions in a lug of olive oil until golden in color with crispy edges.
  2. Add some fennel seeds and toast them around until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and smoked paprika to create a rich sweet and smoky layer of flavor then toss in the shredded cabbage.
  4. Cook down the cabbage until wilted and soft scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Add more fennel seeds and liquid smoke if desired, then stir in some cooked cannellini beans for a heartier more nutritious meal. Adjust seasonings with to taste and serve with fresh herbs.

Italian Cabbage Recipe (4)

Recipe Tips

  • Salsiccia e Cavolo – to make “Italian sausage and cabbage” follow this exact recipe and mix in some pan seared plant-based Italian sausage like Beyond Meat.
  • Seasoning –remember to season at different stages with salt and pepper to build layers of flavor throughout the cooking process.
  • Fresh Herbs – Italian parsley, dill and even thyme make a lovely garnish and brighten up the dish with fresh flavors!
  • Storage – if you happen to have any leftovers transfer them to a lidded glass container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Soup – make it a soup or stew by adding some vegetable broth and simmer for a few minutes.

Serving suggestions

Cabbage recipes

Green Minestrone.

Italian Cabbage Recipe (7)

Italian Cabbage

Italian cabbage with sweet and smoky notes from fennel, tomato, onion and smoked paprika. Add some buttery cannellini beans or some plant based sausage to make a meal of things, It’s the perfect meatless weeknight dinner, easy, super flavorful and nutritious.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:35 minutes mins

Total Time:45 minutes mins

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat a large heavy bottom skillet over medium heat and add a good lug of olive oil.

  • Add the sliced onions and a pinch of sea salt. As the onion starts to soften and release its water content turn up the heat so the liquid evaporates and the onion starts to get some color.

  • Pan fry the onions until nicely golden with crispy edges. Stir in the chili flakes if using. Add 1 tablespoon of the fennel seeds and toast with the onion until fragrant.

  • Stir in the smoked paprika and tomato paste and cook for a few minutes until the sugars begin to caramelize.

    Italian Cabbage Recipe (8)

  • Add the shredded cabbage, season with a pinch of salt and black pepper then mix everything well, scraping any brown bits from the bottom.

  • Stir in the liquid smoke if using and cook down the cabbage until wilted and softened and the sugars start to caramelize again on the bottom. You want little golden bits only so be careful not to burn it.

  • Push the mixture to the side and add a light drop of olive oil to toast the remaining fennel seeds and infuse a new layer of flavor into your dish.

  • Stir in the cannellini beans and toss to coat well. Cook only until warmed through. Adjust seasonings and serve with fresh parsley or dill, fresh bread or bruschetta.

Video

Notes

  • “Salsiccia e Cavolo" - To make Italian sausage and cabbage follow this exact recipe and add some pan seared plant based Italian sausage like "Beyond Meat".
  • Seasoning - remember to season at different stages with salt and pepper to build layers of flavor throughout the cooking process.
  • Savoy Cabbage - if using Savoy cabbage make sure to use and entire head as the leaves are loosely packed unlike green cabbage.
  • Soup - make an Italian cabbage soup by adding a quart of vegetable stock at the last minute and worming it through.
  • Storage - if you happen to have any leftovers transfer them to a lidded glass container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 303mg | Potassium: 355mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 706IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 147mg | Iron: 4mg

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: beans and cabbage, Italian cabbage, Plant-Based, Vegan

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 131kcal

Author: Florentina

Italian Recipes

Similar Posts

Sour Cream Biscuits Recipe

Black Rice with Wild Mushrooms

Braised Chicken and Cabbage Recipe

Cucumber Mojito Recipe

Chanterelle Mushroom Soup

Peperonata Recipe

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Made this last night. Didn’t have fennel so added 1/2 tsp caraway and garlic.Needed some liquid so used vegetable stock about 1 cup. Also instead of chili flakes used chili oil.
    Served with crusty bread and cilantro

    Reply

  2. Italian Cabbage Recipe (18)
    This dish was so simple and delicious! Thank you for the new addition into our family’s rotation.

    Reply

  3. Looks nice on the picture but usually doesn’t on a homemade one although not an issue but it would be really good to give an alternative for products that are only available in the US. To my knowledge there’s nothing called “liquid smoke” in the UK or at least I have never seen it in my local supermarkets! Thank you

    Reply

    1. Hi Lola, this dish was actually photographed in natural light on my office desk next to the window so that’s exactly what it looks like, I do not photoshop any of my photos at all and many of them have been taken with an Iphone. I am not familiar with UK products as I am in the US and have always kept a bottle of liquid smoke in the pantry. I would suggest using smoked sea salt but again not sure if that is available in the UK.The dish is delicious as is but the smoky element comes from one of those 2 ingredients. Is it possible you can order online? Hope you enjoy the cabbage dish regardless ~ Florentina Xo’s

      Reply

  4. Italian Cabbage Recipe (19)
    This recipe is so fast to work up and so delicious. I can’t wait to make it again. It has a real depth of flavor and feels very hearty for a plant based dish. Thank you so much!

    Reply

    1. Italian Cabbage Recipe (20)
      Donna liquid smoke available at larger supermarkets and healthier shops. I got mine from a vegan shop in UK.

      Reply

  5. It was delicious! A good way to use your cabbage. I did have to add some water to the pan to get the cabbage softer without burning. Will try to make soup tomorrow with the left overs!

    Reply

  6. Italian Cabbage Recipe (21)
    New Favorite cabbage recipe, it tastes amazing, adding the smoked paprika gives it a rich flavor like it’s been cooking for hours. So glad to stumble upon a different cabbage recipe that doesn’t entail frying in bacon grease. Sublime, thanks for sharing!

    Reply

Italian Cabbage Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

Green is the heartiest variety; it takes well to all cooking methods. Red can turn a funny blue color when cooked, so it's best used raw. If you do want to cook it, add a touch of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to lessen the effect. Savoy can be used in any recipe that calls for green cabbage.

Why do you soak cabbage in vinegar? ›

An old trick to use is to leave the cabbage lightly doused in vinegar water for a couple of minutes before proceeding to wash the cabbage with water. Usually between two or four minutes. Vinegar kills some types of bacteria and helps killing mold and mildew that could have grown on the cabbage.

What is the name of the Italian cabbage? ›

Black cabbage is an Italian cabbage, also known as Tuscan cabbage, Tuscan kale, or cavolo nero.

How do you cook cabbage without making it soggy? ›

To work the magic of osmosis on your cabbage you'll need to shred all of it first. Then, put it in a bowl with a tablespoon of salt per head of cabbage used and let it rest for one to two hours. Then drain off the water, and dry your cabbage with a paper towel before continuing with your recipe.

How long do you need to boil cabbage? ›

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add cabbage. (It's OK to crowd the pot because the cabbage will shrink!) Step 2Boil until tender, about 5 minutes for shredded cabbage and 10 minutes for wedges.

Why add baking soda to cabbage water? ›

You don't add baking soda. Adding baking soda to your boiling cabbage can help reduce the objectionable smell and maintain the green color long after when it typically turns grayish from cooking for too long. However, this may rid the cabbage of its nutritional value.

How long can you keep cabbage in vinegar? ›

If the cabbage is pickled in vinegar, it can last for up to 12 months in the refrigerator, as long as it's stored in an airtight container. However, if the cabbage is fermented, it can last for several months at room temperature if it's stored in a cool, dark place.

Why do you soak cabbage in salt water before cooking? ›

The salt will draw out excess water from cabbage while helping preserve the crispiness. After letting it sit for an hour or two, rinse it with water to remove the salt. Drain and dry the cabbage with paper towels, gently pressing to release excess water.

Is cooked cabbage with vinegar good for you? ›

Red cabbage offers another bonus: It's rich in natural pigments called anthocyanins, which new research suggests may help boost insulin production and lower blood sugar levels. Finally, cabbage is often prepared with vinegar, which can help lower the GL of your whole meal.

Why is cabbage called John 14? ›

A head of cabbage can be cooked in so many different ways; it is inexpensive and goes with anything. Hence it was dubbed “Johanne 14”: if you have cabbage, you should not let your heart be troubled.

Why do Italians say cabbage? ›

In Italian slang, there are many vegetables that play a dramatic role in everyday conversation. But only one is the undisputed prima donna when it comes to kind of swearing in Italian: the cabbage – il cavolo. It is the safe substitute of a much stronger bad word, the same as saying 'fudge' is in English.

What is cabbage slang for? ›

a stupid, dull, or spiritless person. a mentally impaired person who is unable to live independently; vegetable.

Why is my cabbage bitter after cooking? ›

One common reason is that the cabbage may have been overcooked. Overcooking cabbage releases sulfur compounds that can give it a bitter taste.

Can you overcook cabbage? ›

The key to cooking cabbage: Don't overcook it.

Cabbage is sweet and aromatic when cooked correctly. But the same sulfuric compounds that provide many of its health benefits can turn saboteur when overcooked, creating a pungent, unpleasant smell.

Can you cook cabbage too long? ›

Unappetizing texture and flavor: Overcooking can cause cabbage to become mushy, slimy, and unappetizing. It can also cause the cabbage to lose its natural sweetness and become bitter.

Will adding vinegar to cabbage during cooking make it turn blue? ›

If you add vinegar it will stay the original color. The reddish pigment in the cabbage acts as a pH indicator like litmus paper. Your method of cooking is alkaline which isn't bad but would change the color of cabbage.

What can I add to cabbage to reduce gas? ›

Add herbs. Adding the right herbs can also help ease digestion. A few of Cording's favorites that pair particularly well with cabbage include ginger and turmeric.

Why do people boil vinegar? ›

Some cleaning enthusiasts recommend boiling a pan of vinegar to help get rid of strong odours by turning the acetic acid into a vapour that might more readily react with any volatile bases in a room.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanael Baumbach

Last Updated:

Views: 5560

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanael Baumbach

Birthday: 1998-12-02

Address: Apt. 829 751 Glover View, West Orlando, IN 22436

Phone: +901025288581

Job: Internal IT Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Motor sports, Flying, Skiing, Hooping, Lego building, Ice skating

Introduction: My name is Nathanael Baumbach, I am a fantastic, nice, victorious, brave, healthy, cute, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.