1 average-sized cabbage
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
1 tablespoon of yeast for nutrition
1 cup of coconut milk without sugar (or cashew cream)
2 tablespoons of vegan butter or olive oil
2 tablespoons of regular flour or gluten-free flour
Add salt and pepper according to your preference.
1 ½ cups of dairy-free shredded cheese, like almond or cashew cheese.
Half a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Fresh parsley or chives can be used to decorate the dish, but it is not necessary.
Directions:
Heat the oven before using. Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure that your cabbage and creamy sauce will cook evenly and perfectly when put together.
Get the cabbage ready: Take off the outer leaves of the cabbage and slice the head into wedges or large pieces. Remove the tough center of the cabbage and keep the pieces to the side. You can also decide to cut the cabbage into smaller pieces if you want a smoother texture, but bigger pieces will stay firmer when baked.
Cook the cabbage in boiling water for a short time (if desired but suggested). If you want the cabbage to be very soft, boil it before baking. To do this, heat a pot of water with salt until it boils. Gently put the cabbage pieces in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are a bit soft. Remove the water from the cabbage and dry it with paper towels to get rid of extra moisture.
Cook the cabbage in a pan with a little oil. Warm the olive oil in a big frying pan on medium heat. Put the cabbage pieces in the pan and cook for around 5 minutes until the cabbage is slightly browned and its natural sweetness comes out. This step gives the dish a richer taste.
Make the creamy sauce: In another pot, melt the plant-based butter on medium heat. After the butter has melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually pour the coconut milk (or cashew cream) without sugar while stirring constantly to avoid clumps. Keep cooking the sauce for 4-5 minutes until it gets thicker and smooth.
Add spices to the sauce. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste to the sauce, making it a key component in any vegan cheese sauce. Try the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast to adjust the flavor to your preference.
Put the dish together. Place the cooked cabbage wedges in a big baking dish. Spread the creamy sauce evenly on the cabbage, making sure each piece is covered with the smooth sauce.
Add vegan cheese on top. Put a lot of vegan shredded cheese on top of the cabbage. The cheese will melt and form a delicious, golden layer on top of the dish as it cooks.
Cook the cabbage in the oven. Put the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the cabbage is soft. If you prefer your cheese to be more golden and crispy, you can put the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after baking.
Add a decoration and serve. After the food is finished baking, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Add some freshly cut parsley or chives on top for a touch of color and freshness. You can enjoy the roasted cabbage as a main course or as a delicious side dish.
Expert advice for making delicious vegan baked cabbage with cheese and creamy sauce:
Make the cheese sauce your own: If you don't want nuts, you can use oat milk or soy milk instead of coconut milk. You can also try adding a spoonful of vegan cream cheese to the sauce for more creaminess.
Include some vegetables. To make your meal healthier, try adding more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You can cook these in a pan and then mix them with the cabbage before putting it in the oven.
Try out various kinds of vegan cheese. You can try different types of vegan cheese to see how they taste and melt. Certain brands of chocolate may melt more easily than others, so it's essential to choose one that is suitable for this recipe.
Option without gluten: If you want to make this recipe without gluten, you can replace the regular flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. This will make sure the sauce becomes thick without using gluten.
Getting ready ahead of time: This recipe is great for preparing meals in advance. You can prepare the meal one day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Put it in the oven when you are ready to bake and enjoy. This can also be frozen to eat later.
Heating up leftover food: The food from this meal warms up well when reheated. To keep any extra cabbage, put it in a sealed container and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until it's hot.
Reasons to enjoy Vegan Baked Cabbage with Cheese and Creamy Sauce:
Full of life and delicious: Cabbage, creamy sauce, and melted cheese together make a delicious and comforting dish. The smoked paprika gives a rich flavor, and the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy and savory taste.
Full of nutrients. Cabbage is full of healthy nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and keep your digestive system healthy. Combined with the creamy sauce and cheese, it turns into a filling and nutritious dish.
Vegan and without dairy: If you are vegan or cannot have dairy, this recipe will make sure you can still enjoy creamy and cheesy comfort food. It's a great way to treat yourself without using dairy products.
Able to be changed to suit your preferences. You can easily change this recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs. Include various herbs and spices, try different plant-based cheeses, or even mix in other vegetables to make your own tasty version of this dish.
Ideal for preparing meals in advance: This meal is perfect for preparing in advance. The taste improves over time, so it's great for preparing meals in advance for the upcoming week. Also, it is simple to store and warm up again.
Final thought:
This Vegan Baked Cabbage with Cheese and Creamy Sauce is a delicious recipe you should try if you want a tasty and satisfying meal. By using basic ingredients and simple steps, you can turn cabbage into a tasty, plant-based meal that is both comforting and good for you. If you are getting it ready for a special event