Recipes with purple cabbage are here. You can of course use any of our simple cabbage recipes with green or red heads but these are specific to this variety. Also called red cabbage it is vibrant, crunchy and nutritious too.
Also known as red cabbage, are easy. It is not just a colorful addition to your plate, but also a nutritional powerhouse. Let’s talk about it’s pretty color, incredible health benefits how to cook Whole Cabbage in Slow Cooker and other methods. (affiliate links present)
Advantages of Red Cabbage
This variety of health and culinary advantages that make it a valuable addition to your diet. Rich in vitamins C and K, it supports immune health, bone strength, and blood clotting. Its deep purple color comes from powerful antioxidants linked to reduced inflammation and improved heart health. This is also high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. Unlike it’s green counterpart, it has a slightly peppery flavor and vibrant color that holds up well in both raw and cooked dishes making it ideal for red cabbage cole slaw, salads, stir-fries, and braised recipes.
There are tons of things you can make with this whether you shred or slice it but I will say that Roasted Red Cabbage steaks are probably the most popular. You can slide it on a rack under your main dish and have it all done at once. Healthy with our seasonings beyond salt and pepper, they are all super delicious. 😉
The directions when looking at a green cabbage version aren’t really much different. The biggest you will see and will have to keep in mind if you make something like slow cooker cabbage is that color will leach out. Meaning do NOT use a white liner unless you don’t want it to remain white any longer. I did this once and thought it would wash out easily, not true.
Same issue came when I made my Dutch Oven cabbage, that was white, and it stained the inside for quite some time. Eventually it faded after making other things, with the heat and soaking over time but I was surprised at how potent the color was. It really is a nutritional gem though packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here’s a breakdown of its key nutrients:
Now if you made let’s say our Fried Cabbage and Bacon but with this deep purple or reddish head the directions wouldn’t be any different. Just adds visual appeal to any dish. This striking color is due to the presence of a type of antioxidant pigment that not only makes it appealing but also provides potential health benefits.
Purple Cabbage Recipe
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 head purple cabbage, cut into 2" squares broken up
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup chicken broth, or vegetable broth or water
Instructions
- Cut head in half, remove steam and then into very large bite size square pieces. Add into pressure cooker with broth and cut butter into pats and place on top. Can add 1 tbsp precooked bacon bits too if you wanted with a sprinkle of pepper.
- Seal lid and steam valve and cook for 2 minutes with a quick release. This will create wilted but not mushy leaves. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out of liquid, season with salt and pepper if you wish and enjoy.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Health Benefits
Incorporating more into your diet can offer a range of health benefits. It doesn’t have to be eaten raw to get them either. You can blanch cabbage quickly to soften enough to use instead of tortillas for a healthier burrito stuffed with beans, tofu and grilled chicken. I mean it’s super versatile! Benefits include;
Nutrition
- High in vitamin C it supports a healthy immune system and aids in wound healing.
- The combination of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants may contribute to heart health by helping to lower blood pressure.
- Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in red purple cabbage may have cancer-fighting properties.
- The fiber promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
Now the other ingredients you add may increase the fat content, but we do love adding flavor. The thing to remember is that sauteeing is healthier than boiling so you don’t leach out the vitamins. Tastes better this way too. Whether you do this on the stove or when making Pressure Cooker Cabbage it steams rather quickly.
What to Make with Purple Cabbage
These colorful leaves are versatile in the kitchen and can be prepared in various ways. If you do want to keep it cold and vibrant alongside a burger let’s say, try a raw salad too.
You can sauté, stir-fry with balsamic vinegar, braise or add it into dishes like Instant Pot Egg Roll Bowl for texture and flavor. Cooking it can mellow its flavor and make it a delicious side dish. Red Pickled cabbage is really popular in German dishes such as sauerkraut. Add cubes or shreds to soups and stews for added nutrition and flavor. Use large leaves as a healthy alternative to tortillas or wraps.
Experiment with different seasoning and flavor combinations to create unique dishes like fish tacos, roasted cabbage added to soba noodles and broth for a bit of a crunch.
FAQ
Yes, the name is interchangeable. Some call it one and others may refer to it as the other. A bit firmer than it’s green counterpart it has a bit more nutritional value since the deeper the color of the vegetable the healthier it is but with a similar texture and basically cooked the same way.
When selecting a head at the store, look for heads that are heavy for their size and have crisp, brightly colored leaves. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It can last for several weeks when properly stored. To retain its vibrant color, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice when cooking it.
If you cook it in a pan or oven and think the taste is a bit too much for you, then you should blanch it first. This means to bring a pot of water (with a pinch of salt) to a boil. Cut as you wish and submerge for 1-2 minutes so it begins to soften and more importantly eliminates that tang you may not like as far as flavors go.
How to Cook
There are TONS of ways of How to Cook Cabbage and we go over them all in this post. Coleslaw – Shred it finely and mix it with shredded carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings for a refreshing side dish.
Slice thinly with a sharp knife and stir-fry it with other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and snow peas. Add soy sauce and your choice of protein for Sauteed Red Cabbage with butter.
Use large leaves as wraps for a low-carb and gluten free alternative to tortillas. Incorporate into hearty purple slow cooker cabbage soup. It adds both color and a mild sweetness. Try it in vegetable soup, borscht, or a cabbage and potato soup.
Create vegetarian sliders with patties with a mixture of shredded cabbage, beans, and spices. Make your own homemade kimchi or beet and cabbage sauerkraut with shreds, Korean red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings. Ferment it for a few days for a tangy, spicy side dish.
Create Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage by blanching leaves, filling them with a mixture of ground meat or grains, and baking them in tomato sauce.
Can you cook purple cabbage like green cabbage?
Yes but it typically needs a bit more time to get tender and wilt sorta speak. With a bit thicker texture to it you just need an additional minute or two when boiling or sautéing it to break it down and get it soft to your liking.
Fill tortillas with purple cabbage salad with apple cider vinegar dressing, black beans, avocado, and your favorite taco toppings for a colorful and nutritious meal. Thinly sliced you can drizzle of olive oil and your choice of seasonings to create crispy vegetable chips.
