Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Roasted Cabbage Nests

I have not made these in a long, long time. They used to be a favorite of ours and then I just forgot about them, sadly! The cabbage looked great last grocery trip and I was reminded of delicious cabbage nests, so I grabbed a small head.

This is one of those dishes where just the base remains the same, but you can switch it up anyway you like. Every time I have made it has been a different adventure based on what was in the fridge at that particular moment. This latest version was absolutely delicious, so I think it's worth repeating.

Cabbage Nests:
1 small green cabbage
4 or 5 green onions (new addition this time!)
2 eggs
2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
salt
pepper

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper. Halve the cabbage, discard the outer leaves, cut out the core, and then slice into thin strips about 1/4" wide. Separate the cabbage into ribbons as you add to the bowl. Chop the green onions on a bias and add to the bowl. Toss for a few minutes, turning over to make sure the cabbage is covered in the egg mixture. Place in "nests" (or in this case, a "bed") onto a greased baking sheet. Pop into a 400° oven for 20-25 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the top and bottom are browned a bit. (Yes, my oven has burnt splatters on the bottom - I'm domestically lazy remember!?)

Topping:
~1 pound home made Italian sausage (courtesy of Dad)
1 green pepper, chopped
1/2 leftover onion
1 leftover red potato
14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes (I used Red Gold basil, garlic, and oregano)


In a medium skillet brown the sausage, breaking up as it cooks. Add the chopped green pepper and any leftovers you have on hand. In this case I used half of an onion and red potato that had been previously grilled and was hanging out in my fridge. Once the sausage is cooked and the vegetables are tender, add the can of tomatoes, stirring to incorporate. The tomatoes I used were already perfectly seasoned and tasted great with the sausage. If you use plain tomatoes you may need to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Scoop a "bed" of cabbage onto your plate and then top with a few spoonfuls of the sausage mixture and tomato sauce. Serves 4.

If you haven't made this yet, you really need to. The roasted cabbage on its own is such a delicious flavor burst, but then to top it with yummy combinations of things puts it over the top!

Like I said, this can be switched up so many ways! You could use tofu or just veggies for a vegetarian version. Add seafood if you're a pescatarian! It's a useful vehicle to use up leftovers in the fridge so you don't waste food or throw anything out. Also, for Celiac sufferers or low-carb eaters this is a great way to enjoy Italian flavors without the use of pasta. The bed of cabbage is so fulfilling, you won't even miss the noodles!

13 comments:

Jenn said...

Yum! IMHO, roasting vegetables are the only way to enjoy veggies. (Stir-fries are a close second.) It just never dawned on me to roast cabbage though! What a great recipe that I'm going to have to make soon!

Jenn said...

LOL...I just noticed that the comment box on your blog promises each commenter an 8X10 autographed, glossy photo! :D

Alisa - Frugal Foodie said...

Seriously, is there any vegetable that doesn't taste awesome roasted?

Mara @ What's For Dinner? said...

I think you did this for a BSI one time, didn't you?? :) I love the idea, but SOMEONE in my house won't eat cabbage.

Maggie M. said...

I LOVE cabbage. This is a great way to make it, thanks for reminding me :)

Christina said...

Jenn - I definitely agree! I roast veggies 75% of the time!

Mara - It was the BSI winner when I hosted cabbage! Great memory! If you wanted to make it for just yourself it reheats well. I put in a pie dish or pyrex and then pop in the oven until it's up to temp. I've even made it ahead of time before too this way.

Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover said...

your way of serving cabbage is new to me, must try one day.

Laura said...

I love roasted cabbage!! I really need to make nests you know!

Jenn@slim-shoppin said...

Wow, what a great looking meal especially with your Dad's sausage!

I never would have thought of roasting cabbage!

Anonymous said...

I might just like cabbage cooked that way! My SIL brought over a raw cabbage and apple vinegar salad on Memorial Day - and while I love sauerkraut, raw cabbage is just ick to me - I'll give it a go!

I miss your Dad's sausage - best breakfast sausage ever!

sophia said...

One of my favorite veggie is cabbage!! Awesome, this! Not only cheap, but incredibly fun and delicious to eat! I'm eating out of nest, baby!

test it comm said...

Those meals that you change up every time are often some of the best! This one looks good!

Lyn said...

Seeing that green globe so cheap this time of the year......I made this tonight paired with turkey cutlets rubbed with cinnamon, garlic and little salt and pepper, then simmered in orange juice, topped with a little mango peach salsa. Awesome!