If you are looking for a dish that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl, look no further than this Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe. It’s an elegant yet surprisingly simple way to elevate humble cabbage into something wonderfully flavorful and satisfying. Tender wedges of cabbage slowly simmered in a fragrant vegetable broth, enriched with melted Parmesan and a bouquet of fresh herbs, create a perfect balance of lightness and richness that will charm your taste buds and leave you craving more. This recipe brings together fresh ingredients in a timeless way that feels both homey and special, making it perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe, you only need a handful of fresh and pantry staple ingredients. Each one plays an essential part: the cabbage provides delightful texture and subtle sweetness, while fresh herbs inject bright, aromatic notes. Parmesan cheese creates a creamy, savory depth, and the vegetable broth ties everything together with warmth and comfort.
- Green cabbage: Choose a firm, fresh head to ensure tender wedges that hold their shape during simmering.
- Yellow onion: Thinly sliced for mild sweetness and a soft base flavor.
- Garlic: Minced for a fragrant punch that awakens the dish.
- Vegetable broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the cabbage with savory notes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and a creamy texture when melted into the broth.
- Unsalted butter: For a silky sauté base and subtle indulgence.
- Fresh thyme (or dried): Offers earthy, slightly lemony undertones.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, grassy aroma.
- Fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony flavor and vibrant color.
- Bay leaf: Deepens the broth with delicate herbal complexity.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for gentle heat and spice.
- Salt: To balance and enhance all other flavors.
- Extra fresh herbs and Parmesan: For garnishing and finishing touches.
How to Make Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by gently melting butter over medium heat in a large pot. The butter softens the sliced onions into a sweet, tender base for the broth. After about 3 to 4 minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic and allow it to cook just a minute longer, releasing its fragrant oils without burning. These aromatics set the stage for the rest of the flavors to develop beautifully.
Step 2: Add the Cabbage and Broth
Next, arrange the cabbage wedges upright in the pot so they fit snugly but aren’t crowded. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, thyme leaves, and freshly ground black pepper. This combination begins to infuse the cabbage with a bouquet of herbal notes as the liquid gently simmers. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, which is key to slowly soften the cabbage without turning it mushy.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the pot and let the cabbage cook for 20 minutes, turning the wedges once at the halfway mark. This patience pays off by yielding cabbage that’s tender and flavorful, yet still holds its shape. The gentle simmer allows the herbs and broth to permeate every bite, creating a harmony of textures and scents that feel soothing and sophisticated.
Step 4: Enrich the Broth with Parmesan
Remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue simmering uncovered for 5 more minutes. The cheese melts smoothly into the broth, bringing a subtle creaminess and savory depth like a warm blanket hugging the cabbage. Remember to discard the bay leaf before serving so only pure flavor remains.
Step 5: Final Touches and Fresh Herbs
Now, taste the broth and add salt according to your preference. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and chives, which brighten the dish with fresh, lively notes and a pop of green color. These herbs are crucial to the “herby” aspect that makes this recipe shine so brightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully ladle the cabbage wedges into shallow bowls and spoon the luscious Parmesan broth over them. Don’t hold back on garnish—finish with extra chopped herbs and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to really elevate the presentation and flavor.
How to Serve Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley, chives, and an extra dusting of Parmesan make a big difference. They not only add color and freshness but also provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the broth, making every bite exciting and well-rounded.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping, or alongside roast chicken or pan-seared fish to complete a balanced meal. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also complement the mellow flavors and keep the meal feeling fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elevated dinner party feel, try serving individual cabbage wedges on elegant shallow plates with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil over the top. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts or breadcrumbs for added texture. Leftover broth works wonderfully over cooked grains like farro or barley for a second meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cabbage will continue soaking up the broth flavors, so the dish tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to store the garnishes separately to keep them fresh.
Freezing
While freezing this herby cabbage dish is possible, note that the texture of cabbage may soften further upon thawing. Freeze the broth and cabbage together in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat to avoid overcooking the cabbage. Stir occasionally to encourage the Parmesan broth to stay creamy and warm evenly. If the broth thickens too much, adding a little more vegetable broth or water helps return it to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional here, savoy or Napa cabbage can also work well, lending different textures and mild flavors that complement the Parmesan broth beautifully.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe is vegetarian but not vegan due to the Parmesan cheese and butter. To make a vegan version, substitute plant-based butter and use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative for a similar cheesy flavor.
Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?
Yes! Grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or white beans stir into the broth add satisfying protein without overpowering the delicate herb and Parmesan flavors.
How do I know when the cabbage is perfectly cooked?
The cabbage should be fork-tender but not falling apart after the 20-minute simmer. It will still maintain its wedge shape but be easy to pierce and enjoy.
What’s the best way to grate Parmesan cheese for this recipe?
Freshly grated Parmesan from a block melts better and offers richer flavor than pre-grated options. Use a fine to medium grater for optimal texture in the broth.
Final Thoughts
This Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy simple, humble ingredients with maximum flavor and heart. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try and watch how this comforting dish becomes a new favorite on your table, transforming cabbage into a star with every delicious spoonful.
Print
Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Herby Cabbage in Parmesan Broth is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender cabbage wedges gently simmered in a savory vegetable broth enriched with melting Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. This easy stovetop recipe combines aromatic onions, garlic, thyme, parsley, and chives to create a creamy broth that perfectly complements the mild cabbage, making it a perfect light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium green cabbage, cored and cut into 8 wedges
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 bay leaf
- Extra chopped fresh herbs for garnish
Broth and Seasoning
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Dairy and Fats
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot with lid, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Cabbage and Broth: Carefully arrange the cabbage wedges in the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the bay leaf, fresh or dried thyme, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Cabbage: Cover the pot and let the cabbage simmer for 20 minutes. Turn the cabbage wedges once halfway through cooking to ensure even tenderness, until the cabbage is tender but still holds its shape.
- Create Parmesan Broth: Remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the broth to become slightly creamy. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Season and Add Fresh Herbs: Taste the broth and adjust salt as necessary. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and chives to infuse fresh herbal flavor.
- Serve: Place cabbage wedges into shallow bowls and ladle the savory Parmesan broth over them generously. Garnish with extra chopped fresh herbs and additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme, but use less as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth or a good quality store-bought broth.
- This dish is best served warm and fresh but can be gently reheated on the stovetop.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.
- Adjust salt carefully as Parmesan cheese adds saltiness to the broth.
