If you’re looking for a comforting, light yet flavorful dish to brighten up your dinner table, the Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish celebrates tender cabbage wedges bathed in a luscious, cheesy broth infused with fresh herbs and aromatic onion and garlic. It’s an elegant but simple recipe that transforms humble ingredients into a warm, inviting bowl of goodness. Perfect for cozy evenings or as a side that will steal the spotlight, this recipe is guaranteed to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and complementing textures. From the sweet softness of onions to the rich creaminess of Parmesan cheese, these essentials keep the dish vibrant and satisfying.
- Medium green cabbage: The star of the show, providing tender texture and fresh flavor.
- Medium yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic cloves: Bring a warm, aromatic kick to the dish.
- Vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful base for the Parmesan broth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers rich, nutty creaminess to the broth.
- Unsalted butter: Melts beautifully to sauté aromatics and add silkiness.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Adds an earthy, herby lift.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor with a fresh, grassy note.
- Chopped fresh chives: Imparts a delicate oniony aroma and color.
- Bay leaf: Provides subtle depth and complexity as it simmers.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and spice.
- Salt: To balance and enhance every flavor.
- Extra fresh herbs and grated Parmesan: For garnish and finishing touches.
How to Make Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Aromatics
Begin by melting the unsalted butter over medium heat in a large pot. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and start releasing their natural sweetness. Then, stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute to awaken its fragrant essence without browning it. This aromatic base sets the tone for the broth’s rich, comforting flavor.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Next, nestle the cabbage wedges carefully into the pot atop your softened aromatics. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, fresh thyme leaves, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring everything gently to a simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle as the cabbage slowly absorbs the herby, savory notes that will make each bite so memorable.
Step 3: Simmer Cabbage
Cover the pot and let the cabbage simmer for 20 minutes. Remember to turn the wedges once halfway through cooking to ensure even tenderness while retaining their lovely shape. This slow simmer helps the cabbage become tender but still slightly crisp, making each mouthful beautifully textured and fresh.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheese
After removing the lid, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the broth. Continue simmering uncovered for another 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully and transform the broth into a silky, creamy sauce. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaf before moving to the final seasoning stage.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Give the dish a taste and adjust with salt if needed to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and chives for a fresh, lively finish that contrasts beautifully against the rich broth and tender cabbage.
How to Serve Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, adding bursts of green freshness. A generous grating of Parmesan cheese on top just before serving adds that irresistible cheesy finish that ties the dish together delightfully.
Side Dishes
Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe pairs wonderfully with rustic crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth or alongside roasted potatoes for a heartier meal. For a lighter touch, serve it with grilled chicken or fish to balance the rich and fresh elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cabbage wedges draped over a bed of creamy polenta or risotto for a visually stunning and flavorful contrast. You could also drizzle a little chili oil or a splash of lemon juice to add a surprising zing that awakens the dish’s subtle layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cabbage will continue to soak up the broth, making the flavors even more concentrated overnight.
Freezing
While this dish freezes well, keep in mind that cabbage texture may soften further after thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to redistribute the Parmesan-rich broth evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce and refresh the texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While green cabbage works beautifully here, savoy or Napa cabbage can also be delicious alternatives. Each will bring a slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe?
You can make this recipe vegetarian by ensuring your vegetable broth is homemade or labeled vegetarian. For a vegan version, substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative and use a plant-based butter substitute.
Can I add other vegetables to the broth?
Yes, adding root vegetables like carrots or celery can build more depth and sweetness. Just add them early in the cooking process to soften along with the cabbage.
What’s the best way to chop the herbs?
Finely chopping fresh herbs ensures their flavors distribute evenly throughout the dish without overwhelming any single bite. Using a sharp knife to mince gently prevents bruising and preserves their bright color.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the original ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your vegetable broth and Parmesan cheese to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe, it will quickly earn a cherished spot in your meal rotation with its perfect balance of fresh herbs, tender cabbage, and rich, cheesy broth. It feels like a warm hug on a plate that’s surprisingly simple to make yet deeply satisfying. So grab your ingredients and dive in—you won’t regret having this delightful dish at your table!
Print
Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender cabbage wedges simmered in a fragrant vegetable broth infused with aromatic herbs and enriched with melted Parmesan cheese. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of cabbage complemented by fresh thyme, parsley, and chives, delivering a creamy, savory broth that is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium green cabbage, cored and cut into 8 wedges
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Dairy and Herbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Extra chopped fresh herbs for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Melt the unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Broth: Arrange the cabbage wedges evenly in the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the cabbage is mostly submerged. Add the bay leaf, fresh thyme leaves, and freshly ground black pepper to the broth.
- Simmer Cabbage: Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the cabbage simmer for 20 minutes, turning the wedges once halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cabbage should become tender while still maintaining its shape.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer the mixture uncovered for 5 more minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt fully and thicken the broth, creating a creamy texture. Discard the bay leaf at this point.
- Season and Finish: Taste the broth and adjust with salt as needed. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and chives to infuse freshness and herbaceous aroma into the dish.
- Plate and Serve: Carefully ladle the cabbage wedges along with the creamy Parmesan broth into shallow bowls. Garnish each serving with extra chopped fresh herbs and additional grated Parmesan cheese to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you may substitute butter with olive oil or a mix of both.
- If unable to find fresh herbs, dried thyme and parsley can be used but add them during the simmering stage to allow for better infusion.
- Vegetarian but not vegan due to Parmesan cheese, which contains animal rennet.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side of roasted potatoes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on the stove; add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
