Cabbage Chronicles: Surprising Facts and a Savory Stew Recipe

Last Updated on November 20, 2023 by Create Better Health

Cabbage may not always steal the spotlight, but it holds a world of intriguing secrets. Join us in the Cabbage Chronicles as we unveil surprising facts about this unassuming vegetable and share a delectable, hearty stew recipe that’ll warm your soul.

In this post you’ll find:

Fun Facts About Cabbage
Cabbage Beef Stew Recipe Steps
Cabbage Beef Stew Recipe

Fun Facts About Cabbage

Don’t underestimate cabbage! It’s got some cool facts you need to know.

Ancient Vegetable: Cabbage has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and was a staple in the diets of ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
Many Varieties: There are various types of cabbage, including green cabbage, red cabbage, Napa cabbage, and Savoy cabbage, each with its unique flavor and texture.
Low in Calories: Cabbage is incredibly low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. A cup of shredded cabbage has around 22 calories.
Rich in Nutrients: Despite its low calorie count, cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins K, C, and B6, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
Versatile Ingredient: Cabbage can be used in a wide range of dishes, from coleslaw and sauerkraut to stir-fries, soups, and stuffed cabbage rolls.
Cabbage Patch Kids: The term “cabbage” is used informally to refer to a person’s head, often in a joking or endearing manner. You might hear someone say, “Use your cabbage and think!”
Fermentation Friend: Cabbage is a key ingredient in the fermentation process, used to create foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. It’s the lactic acid bacteria that work their magic during fermentation.
Cabbage for Healing: Traditionally, cabbage leaves have been used as a natural remedy for various ailments, including sore muscles and engorged breasts in breastfeeding mothers.
Cool-Weather Crop: Cabbage thrives in cool weather and is often harvested in late fall, making it a great choice for winter stews and soups.
Long Shelf Life: When stored properly, cabbage can last a long time in your fridge. It’s a budget-friendly, durable vegetable.

Cabbage Beef Stew Recipe Steps

Cabbage Patch Stew is one of my favorite recipes. It is hearty and flavorful with just a hint of sweetness. To make Cabbage Patch Stew, start by gathering your ingredients.

You need:

1/2 lb. lean ground beef
1 large onion
1 cup celery
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. cumin
2 cups water
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 (15 oz.) cans Mexican stewed tomatoes

Start by preparing your celery, onions, and cabbage. Use a knife to chop your celery and onions. I like to chop them finely for a less chunky stew. You can chop your cabbage into small pieces or shred it with a grater or food processor.

The next step is to brown the ground beef. I like to brown it in the same pot I am going to cook the stew in so I’ll have fewer dishes to wash when I’m finished. Once the ground beef is browned, use a colander to rinse off any excess fat. I also like to rinse any excess grease out of the pot.

Place the rinsed ground beef back in your pot and add in the chopped onion, celery, and cabbage.

Cook 3-5 minutes until the vegetables start to cook clear and a bit wilted. Mmmmm! Doesn’t that look delicious?

Now it’s time to add the sugar, seasonings, beans, and tomatoes. The last step is to let the stew simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. This will give the vegetables time to become more tender and to allow the flavors to blend together and intensify.