Eating cabbage has been a New Year’s Day tradition for as long as we’ve celebrated the new year. It’s up in the air how and why the tradition of eating cabbage came about, but most people agree that cabbage represents money and is considered to be a nod to having a good financial future.
It could also be less focused on good fortune in the new year, and more about convenience. Even though cabbage is basically in-season all year long, it’s a cold weather crop. This means that it was traditionally harvested in January and February, so it was readily available to people around the start of the new calendar year. Despite why people decided to make cabbage the good luck food, there are plenty of reasons why you should stock up in the new year. Cabbage is cheap, hearty, good for you, and can be prepared in a million and one different ways.
To help you scrounge up some fun meal ideas, here are six ways to cook cabbage that will keep your family full this winter (and maybe even prosperous!)
1. Cabbage Slaw
Cabbage slaw is a quick and simple way to cook cabbage as a side dish. Coleslaw (a popular dish in the Southern US) already uses cabbage sliced up with carrots, onions, and celery. But this recipe from Chow Hound mixes in some latin flavors for a tangier and spicier version of the American classic.
2. Pizzoccheri (or Cabbage and Pasta)
Pizzoccheri is a traditional Italian meal that uses a flat pasta called tagliatelle and mixes it with some type of green (in this case, cabbage) and cubed potatoes. If that sounds like it’s a ton of carbs, it is, so eat this sparingly if you have a New Years resolution to eat healthier. If not, try this recipe for pizzoccheri from Food52.
3. Spicy Stir Fry Cabbage
Stir fry cabbage is often considered the best vegetarian option to traditional Asian stir fry. It works, though, because cabbage is thick enough to fry up really well. And it mixes perfectly with carrots and ginger for a more authentic flavor. This recipe from the New York Times is a perfect alternative to a more traditional cabbage and black eyed peas New Years dinner.
4. Stuffed Cabbage
For a New Years meal that’s a little heartier, you can opt for stuffed cabbage. This recipe from us stuffs cabbage leaves with a rice, beef, and mushroom mixture before baking. Top it off with tomato sauce and parmesan cheese and it’s an Italian themed meal. Plus, it’s pretty healthy.
5. Lentil and Cabbage Soup
Lentils are an underutilized ingredient these days, which is a shame because they’re super healthy, very cheap, and easy to cook. If you’re in the mood for soup this New Years Day, try mixing up lentils with shredded cabbage for a simple meal that’s both tasty and healthy. This recipe from Eating Bird Food adds miso and siracha for a stronger kick.
6. Grilled Cabbage Wedges
The last way we’re going to recommend cooking your cabbage is actually one of our favorites. It’s simple; it requires almost no ingredients (aside from a grill and a head of cabbage); and it’s probably one of the best tasting. A simple grilled wedge of cabbage is hearty and healthy, and paired with a tangy Thai lime dressing is a perfect dish in and of itself. This recipe from The Kitchn shows you how to do it.
