Description
Transform simple cabbage into a luxurious meal with creamy Alfredo sauce. This vegetarian dish proves humble vegetables can shine when given proper treatment.
Ingredients
1 medium head savoy or green cabbage (about 2.5 pounds), quartered, cored and cut into thick chunks
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Grilled or toasted country bread for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add cabbage chunks and cook until just tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain well in a colander, pressing with a wooden spoon to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced garlic and cook gently, stirring frequently, until softened but not colored, about 2 minutes.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a vigorous simmer over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and the sauce coats the back of a spoon, 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Add the drained cabbage, lemon zest, and nutmeg to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper.
5. Return to a rapid simmer and cook until the sauce coats the cabbage with only a thin layer remaining in the pan, about 3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with three-quarters of the Parmesan, tossing to combine.
7. Top with remaining cheese and extra pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Drain the cabbage well and press it firmly to remove excess water, preventing a watery finished dish.
Savoy cabbage with its crinkly leaves works especially well as it catches the sauce beautifully, though regular green cabbage makes an excellent substitute.
Cook the sauce until it reaches proper thickness before adding the cabbage. The sauce should coat a spoon but still flow easily.
Serve as a stunning vegetarian main course over pasta or creamy polenta, or as a side with grilled chicken or fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian