Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
Creamed cabbage is a delightful, rich side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal, especially during colder months. This Irish staple offers a surprisingly sweet and creamy flavor that transforms the humble cabbage into something downright irresistible. I’ve loved this dish for years, recalling how my grandmother would often whip it up during family gatherings—its delicious aroma wafting through the house, inviting us to the table. Whether you’re looking for a side for your corned beef dinner or want to elevate your weeknight meals, this easy recipe has got you covered.
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What makes this creamy delight so special is its simplicity; with just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet remains quite budget-friendly. You might even wonder how something so easy can taste so good! The beauty of creamed cabbage lies in how its natural sugars caramelize while sautéing, making each bite a lovely balance of creamy and sweet. If you’re intrigued, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making this creamed cabbage; it’s sure to become a quick favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, this side dish is a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sautéed cabbage and rich cream creates a wonderfully comforting dish.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The caramelized edges of the cabbage provide a beautiful presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect alongside meats, as part of a vegetarian spread, or even on its own.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free, and you can substitute the cream for non-dairy versions if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/4 cup butter: Adds richness and flavor while helping to sauté the cabbage. You can use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness.
- 1/2 tsp. salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage and balances the creaminess.
- 1 medium head of cabbage: Chopped into small wedges; cabbage is fiber-rich and low in calories, making it a deliciously healthy choice. Green cabbage is most commonly used, but Savoy could offer a sweeter flavor.
- 1/4-1/2 cup light cream: This is what makes the dish creamy and luxurious. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for richness. Heavy cream can also be used for a thicker consistency.
- Freshly ground pepper: A dash adds a bit of warmth and complements the creamy texture beautifully.
How to Make Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
Melt Butter: Begin by melting 1/4 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Take a moment to enjoy the aroma as it starts to bubble and sizzle.
Sauté Cabbage: Add the medium head of cabbage, cut into small wedges, to the skillet. Cover and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until the edges start to brown or char just a bit. This initial caramelization will enhance the cabbage’s sweetness.
Turn Cabbage: Carefully turn the cabbage using tongs or a spatula, allowing the other sides to brown. Continue sautéing for another 3 to 4 minutes, until it looks tender and has beautiful golden bits.
Add Cream: Once your cabbage is nicely browned, it’s time to introduce the creamy element. Pour in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of light cream, adjusting to your desired taste. Stir and let it heat for about 2 minutes until the cream begins to thicken slightly, enveloping the cabbage in a rich sauce.
Season and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and some freshly ground pepper to taste. The seasoned cream perfectly complements the sweet, tender cabbage, making each bite comforting.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your leftover creamed cabbage, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just ensure you portion it out into freezer-safe containers for easy meals later. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from separating—just a few minutes will do. Keep in mind that while the texture might change a bit after freezing, a quick stir can bring back some creaminess.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be careful not to overcook the cabbage; it should be tender but still have a little crunch.
- Use fresh cabbage for the best flavor, but if you have leftovers from other meals, feel free to use them!
- Try adding garlic or onion while sautéing for an extra layer of flavor.
- If using non-dairy cream, check for a flavor that complements the cabbage, like cashew or oat-based cream.
- Want a bit of spice? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes works wonders without overpowering the dish.
Creamed cabbage is not only a fantastic addition to your meal rotation but also a dish that’s primed for experimentation. Feel free to toss in your favorite herbs or add a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving for an extra indulgent touch. Who knows? This might just become your family’s new go-to side dish.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make creamed cabbage ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamed cabbage ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
What should I serve with creamed cabbage?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of meats, especially corned beef, pork, or roasted chicken. It also complements hearty vegetarian meals wonderfully.
Can I use other types of cabbage?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cabbages, like Savoy or Napa, for unique flavors and textures. Just remember, cooking times may vary slightly based on the type used.
Is creamed cabbage healthy?
Cabbage itself is low in calories and packed with nutrients. While the addition of cream makes it richer, you can adjust the amount or use lighter options to suit your dietary needs.
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📖 Recipe Card
Creamed Cabbage | Easy Irish Side Dish
- Prep Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Creamed Cabbage is a flavorful side dish featuring tender cabbage cooked with butter and cream. It’s a quick and comforting choice for any dinner table, ready in just 15 minutes!
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 and brown the other side for around 3-4 minutes.
- Add cream and heat until slightly thickened, around 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use heavier cream instead of light cream.
Pair this dish with your favorite meat or fish for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
