Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
Creamed cabbage is a delightful Irish side dish that can elevate any meal. This dish features tender, sautéed cabbage enveloped in a luscious light cream, making it a crowd favorite. The sweetness of the cabbage caramelizes beautifully, creating a comforting harmony of flavors. If you’re seeking a quick and captivating addition to your dinner table, creamed cabbage is the answer. It’s straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special gatherings.
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I first discovered this delightful recipe while attending a cozy Irish dinner at a friend’s house. They served creamed cabbage alongside their traditional dishes, and I was instantly smitten. The richness of the cream paired with the slightly charred cabbage added a unique depth of flavor that I couldn’t get enough of. Each bite was a reminder of why I’ve always loved simple, home-cooked meals. I can’t wait for you to experience this dish that’s not only satisfying but also a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy dinners.
- Irresistible Flavor: The caramelized cabbage provides a delectably sweet contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: No one can resist that creamy, beautiful finish that’s sure to impress.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday feasts, casual meals, or even a cozy gathering with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for lighter diets with low-fat cream or non-dairy alternatives.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the cabbage, creating a wonderfully savory flavor. For a lighter option, you can substitute with olive oil.
- 1/2 tsp. salt: Enhances the flavor of the cabbage without being overpowering. Feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- 1 medium head of cabbage (cut into small wedges): Fresh cabbage is essential for the best texture and flavor. Green or savoy cabbage works well; avoid overcooked, mushy cabbage.
- 1/4-1/2 cup light cream: Provides creaminess to the dish. You can substitute half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative if needed.
- Freshly ground pepper: Adds a slight kick and balances the sweetness of the cream. Freshly ground is always best for the flavor.
How to Make Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter is fully melted and slightly bubbling before adding the cabbage for the best sautéing results.
Sauté Cabbage: Add the cabbage wedges to the skillet. Cover the skillet to help the cabbage steam slightly. Sauté for 4-5 minutes or until the cabbage starts to brown just a bit and develop a hint of char.
Turn Cabbage: Carefully flip the cabbage wedges over using tongs to brown the other side. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until it’s slightly browned and tender-crisp.
Add Cream: Pour in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of light cream, depending on your preference for creaminess. Stir gently and heat until the cream begins to thicken slightly, about 2 minutes.
Season: Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. of salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. The beauty of this dish is how the cabbage’s natural sweetness is enhanced through the cooking process, creating an irresistible combination of flavors.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover creamed cabbage, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or cream to restore its creamy texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the cabbage to maintain its texture. Aim for a tender yet crisp finish.
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder while cooking.
- Opt for room temperature cream; this helps it incorporate seamlessly without curdling when added to the hot cabbage.
- If you’re making this dish ahead of time, consider preparing the cabbage but wait to add the cream just before serving to keep it fresh.
Creamed cabbage is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delightful. Whether you’re cooking it for a holiday feast or as a comforting addition to a weeknight meal, you’ll surely fall in love with this easy Irish side dish. The combination of sweet cabbage and creamy richness is splendid, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of cream?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream. Each will impart a different flavor but keep the dish delicious.
What can I serve with creamed cabbage?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, especially beef or pork, and can elevate any savory main dish. It also complements hearty dishes like Irish stew or cottage pie.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sautéed cabbage in advance. Just add the cream just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.
How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?
For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed onions or garlic alongside the cabbage. This brings extra depth to the dish that many will find irresistible.
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📖 Recipe Card
Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
- Prep Time: No Data
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Creamed Cabbage is a simple and flavorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of cabbage. With just a few ingredients, including butter and cream, this dish is perfect for enhancing any dinner and will definitely be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 medium head of cabbage (cut into small wedges)
- 1/4–1/2 cup light cream
- freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet.
- Add cabbage, cover, and sauté until slightly browned or charred, about 4-5 minutes.
- Carefully turn over the cabbage and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the cream and heat until slightly thickened, which should take around 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of cream based on your desired creaminess.
For a bit of extra flavor, consider adding bacon or onions when cooking the cabbage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
