The health industry constantly propounds the innumerable benefits of including the right kind of foods in our diet. One such food stuff that has been creating a buzz lately is cabbage. Looking beyond its humble appearance, this vegetable proves to be a potential superfood. It is loaded with critical vitamins C and K, fibre, minerals, and antioxidants – elements contributing towards a healthier immune system, reduced inflammation, healthy eyes, and better control over cholesterol.
A unique gastronomic offering that has risen to popularity in numerous culinary circles is the roasted miso cabbage. This delicacy brings together the earthy sweetness of roasted cabbage and combines it with a flavorful punch of white miso. The addition of the spicy crunch of chili crisp takes the dish to another level.
Though white miso with its mild and sweet flavour interacts well with the cabbage, foodies with a penchant for stronger flavours can substitute it with red miso.
So, what exactly is this delectable dish of Roasted Cabbage with Miso Sauce & Chili Crisp? It is an enchanting play of flavours where antioxidant-rich cabbage becomes soft and elegantly balances with the caramel-like sweetness at the edges from roasting. The savoury nature of miso and the sweet hint of mirin intensify the depth and richness of the dish. Any overpowering nature of spice from the chili crisp is toned down by the protein-rich Greek-style yogurt. Completing the gastronomic experience is the freshness of herbs that lends a finishing touch to the symphony of flavours.
For those wishing to try their hand at creating this dish, there are few key points to remember:
– Roasting the cabbage in a hot oven helps it to retain its texture while crisping and charring it.
– While cutting the cabbage into wedges, the cabbage stem should remain intact to help the leaves stay together during roasting.
– Napa cabbage is an excellent substitute for green cabbage in this recipe. However, using red cabbage should be avoided as it may turn blue on cooking.
Equally interesting are the additional health benefits united in this one dish.
Miso, a product of fermented soybeans, is excellent for gut health. It adds beneficial gut bacteria due to its fermented nature, thus strengthening the immune system over time with regular intake.
Greek yogurt, a type of strained yogurt, is packed with protein, calcium and probiotics. Combined with cabbage’s fiber, it helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you full for a longer duration.
Regularly eating spicy foods, like chili crisp, offers its unique set of health benefits, including improved blood pressure, a healthier heart, and even controlling your appetite, leading to an overall feeling of satisfaction more quickly.
The ingredients for Roasted Cabbage with Miso Sauce & Chili Crisp include a small head of green cabbage, sesame oil, ground pepper, salt, white miso, honey, mirin, whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt, chili crisp, and chopped fresh tender herbs like cilantro and chives.
As for instructions, preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the cabbage wedges on a baking sheet, brush them with sesame oil, and sprinkle with pepper and salt. Roast till tender and charred (usually for around 20 minutes). To this, add a mixture prepared from miso, honey, mirin, and yogurt. Spread this yogurt mixture on a serving platter, arrange the roasted cabbage on it, and garnish with chili crisp and herbs.
To savour the miso-roasted cabbage in its best form, consume it on the day you prepare it. You may prepare the miso yogurt sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, this sauce is not just limited to cabbage. You can enjoy it with quinoa, rice and several other veggies. It also pairs well as a garnish for roasted potatoes and fries.
For those who might question, ‘What is Mirin?’, it is a sweet, low-alcohol rice wine that is a key component in Japanese cuisine. You can find it in any supermarket selling Asian ingredients. If unavailable, it can be replaced with sake, dry sherry or dry white wine.
With 146 Calories, 8g Fat, 13g Carbohydrates, and 5g Protein per portion, this culinary delight is sure to satiate your taste buds and satisfy your dietary requisites. Dig in and enjoy the healthiness!
