A healthful blend of sautéed cabbage and kale makes a great side dish for all sorts of entrées. Because you want to caramelize rather than brown the cabbage in order to develop its natural sweetness, this dish takes a little time to prepare, but we’re sure you’ll find that the flavor is well worth the extra effort.
Sautéed Cabbage and Kale
This blend of caramelized cabbage and sautéed kale has loads of natural, sweet flavor and complements a wide variety of entrees like pan-seared pork chops and shallow-fried or baked chicken breasts.
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (1 lb or about 6 cups)
- 1 lb fresh kale, stemmed and roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 bunch scallions, 4 to 5, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until it begins to soften.
- Add the garlic and continue cooking just until fragrant, 1 minute longer.
- Add about 1/3 of the chopped cabbage, season with a pinch of salt and cook until wilted and reduced in bulk.
- Repeat with the other two batches of cabbage, being sure to season with a bit more salt each time.
- Continue cooking, stirring often, until the cabbage is caramelized and golden in color, 15 to 18 minutes.
- Add the butter, a few grinds of black pepper, and adjust the salt to taste.
- Add the kale and continue cooking until it’s wilted and tender, 3 to 4 minutes, then add the scallions and cook until slightly softened, but still bright green.
- Transfer to a serving dish.
Have you tried this recipe?Did you add your own special touch? We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a rating to share your thoughts with others.
Matt says
Absolutely fabulous with pork chops , no need to add gravy, superb
Annie says
Just made this kale and cabbage, it was so good. Got to try new things while shelter in place
Lynne Webb says
Hi Annie,
I’m so pleased you found a new recipe you enjoyed here on our site. Stay well.
Louise says
I have a small head of cabbage and frozen kale. Will this recipe still work with the frozen kale?
Kathy Sttickljn says
Another, less complicated way to enjoy this is to wilt the cabbage and Kale in veggie broth. I then top a rice and farro mix with the veggies.
Instead of straight rice, have it with farro cooking instructions are the same. I use this colored sprouted rice.
I generally have these two dishes in my fridge…
Gramma Lulu says
These caramelized vegetables are SO delicious I’m taking it to the guys in the field as a side dish for their bbq roast beef and mushroom sandwiches. I suggest you double the recipe as people will take extra portions!
Gail Glenn says
This is a wonderful recipe!! It is totally worth the extra time it takes to carmelize the cabbage. I used Napa Cabbage & it added a freshness/sweetness to the dish. I was serving it with a crab/artichoke Alfredo pasta dish & made a last minute decision to pile the pasta& sauce on a bed of the cabbage & kale. It was a resounding success! Thank you for the recipe. I am back to my dietary (vegan) senses & making it today to go over farro.
Lynne Webb says
Hi Gail,
Happy to hear you liked the sautéed cabbage and kale. Using it as a base for a pasta dish is a good idea – thanks for sharing it with us.
Terri Lynne says
Delicious, I worked on it while hubby barbecued meat, so timing was fine! Great with rice/meat grilled veggies! Thanks for the recipe!
Lynne Webb says
Hi Terri,
Glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for letting us know.
Nanda says
Thanks much for the recipe. Turned out great, delicious! So simple to make, yet such great taste and healthy too…
I added a some roasted peanuts and lemon juice in the end. My family loved it. Thanks for sharing!
Lynne Webb says
Hi Nanda,
Thanks for letting us know you liked the recipe. Lemon juice is always a nice flavor enhancer, but adding some crunch with the roasted peanuts is a great idea. I will try that next time myself.
~KeKe Fleaux says
Lynne, thanks for the great post. Not even certain why I never thought to pair these two before now, but the union is beautiful and delicious. I searched cabbage and kale and I’m so glad I found this! I made it tonight over brown rice. Excellent
Claire says
If you like cabbage~add the kale and you will find it is a great marriage.. True there is extra work to be done but it is worth it .
Lynne Webb says
Hi Claire,
We do like cabbage and kale together as a side dish. It’s easy to make and good for you too.
Lolly says
This is just what I was looking for. Thank you!
Louise says
Aw you compose that recipe for me, I love cabbage.
Thank you, you’re great.
Lou♥