Oven-Baked Indian Cabbage
40 min
|
easy
|
gluten-free,
lactose-free,
low-fat,
Mediterranean diet,
vegan
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 25 min | 40 min |
Introduction
This oven-baked Indian cabbage is a light, veggie-packed side with warm spices, sweet carrots, and a hint of coconut.
It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, a simple meal prep veggie, or a vibrant side dish for an Indian-inspired feast.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients
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How to Make Oven-Baked Indian Cabbage
-
Prep the vegetables and pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Thinly slice the green cabbage, julienne the carrots, and thinly slice the red onion if you have not already.
-
Bloom the spices in oil
In a small skillet, warm the oil over medium heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds and cook, stirring, until they start to pop and smell nutty.
Stir in the turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, black pepper, and salt, then turn off the heat.
-
Combine vegetables with spice oil
Add the sliced cabbage, julienned carrots, and red onion to a large mixing bowl.
Pour the warm spiced oil over the vegetables and toss very well until everything looks evenly coated.
Spread the mixture into an even layer on the prepared sheet pan, leaving a little space between pieces for browning.
-
Bake the cabbage
Bake for 15 minutes, then use a spatula to gently toss and spread the vegetables back into an even layer.
Continue baking for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cabbage edges are lightly browned and the carrots are tender.
If the vegetables look dry near the end, drizzle with a teaspoon of oil and toss briefly on the pan.
-
Finish with coconut, lemon, and herbs
Transfer the hot roasted vegetables to a serving bowl and immediately add the grated coconut and lemon juice.
Toss to combine, taste, and adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed for brightness and balance.
Sprinkle with the chopped cilantro right before serving so the herbs stay fresh and vibrant.
Substitutions
- Grated coconut -> toasted sliced almonds
- Use finely chopped or sliced toasted almonds instead of grated coconut if you prefer a nutty, less sweet finish. They add crunch and richness without making the vegetables heavy or creamy.
- Oil -> ghee
- Swap the neutral oil for melted ghee if you want deeper flavor and a more traditional North Indian vibe. Ghee helps the spices bloom beautifully and gives the roasted edges a buttery, almost toffee-like taste.
- Green cabbage -> shredded Brussels sprouts
- Substitute thinly sliced Brussels sprouts for some or all of the cabbage for a slightly sweeter, more intense roasted flavor. They crisp up beautifully in the oven and hold the spices really well.
Tips
- Slice the cabbage evenly
- Aim for thin, even slices of cabbage so everything cooks at the same rate and browns instead of steaming.
- Do not skimp on the oil
- The oil helps carry the spices and also encourages those caramelized edges that make the vegetables taste so savory. If you cut the oil too much, the spices can taste dusty and the texture can feel dry.
- Adjust the heat level to your taste
- For mild heat, use less red chili powder and lean on black pepper for gentle warmth. For more kick, add extra chili powder or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh lemon and cilantro
- Squeeze the lemon and add the cilantro right at the end so the flavors stay bright and fresh. If you add them before baking, both can turn dull and lose their sparkle.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer
- Crowding the pan makes the vegetables steam, so always use a large sheet pan and keep them in one layer. If needed, divide the mixture between two pans and rotate them halfway through baking.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 149 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 2 | g |
| Total Fat | 9 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Can I make this Indian cabbage recipe without using the stovetop?
- Yes, you can skip blooming the spices and instead toss the raw spices and oil directly with the vegetables. The flavor will be slightly less nutty, but the oven heat will still toast the spices as everything roasts.
- How do I keep the cabbage from turning soggy in the oven?
- Make sure the cabbage is dry after washing, and spread the vegetables in a single layer on the pan. If they are piled up, they release moisture and steam instead of roasting and browning.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
- Yes, the roasted cabbage keeps well in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. Reheat it on a hot skillet or in a 400°F oven for a few minutes to refresh the texture. Add the lemon juice and cilantro after reheating so they still taste bright.
- What can I serve with oven baked Indian cabbage to make it a full meal?
- Pair it with steamed basmati rice, warm naan, or quinoa and add a simple lentil dal or grilled tofu. It also works alongside roasted chicken, baked salmon, or store bought rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This cozy tray of spiced cabbage is lovely with a dollop of plain yogurt and a sprinkle of chaat masala.
For something different, tuck the warm vegetables into soft tortillas or naan with avocado for an Indian inspired veggie taco night.
Leftovers taste great at room temperature, so pack them into lunch bowls with grains and a crunchy salad.
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