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Braised Cabbage and Lentils

A delightful dish combining earthy lentils and sweet napa cabbage in a creamy coconut curry sauce, perfect for a wholesome meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegan
Keyword: Braised Cabbage, comfort food, Healthy Meal, Lentils, Vegan Curry
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1/2 head napa cabbage, cut lengthwise
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Oils and Sauces

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other neutral oil
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce or tamari (for GF)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder

Legumes and Broth

  • 2 1/2 cups cooked lentils
  • 1 15-ounce can coconut milk
  • 1 cup broth (vegan chicken broth preferred)

For Serving

  • cilantro, for serving
  • cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cut the napa cabbage into quarters, then slice each quarter into shorter wedges.
  • In an oven-safe stock pot or cast iron skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the cabbage wedges and cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely charred. Once done, remove the cabbage from the pot and set it aside.

Cooking

  • In the same pot, add the sesame oil and sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, red curry paste, and ginger powder for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
  • Stir in the cooked lentils, coconut milk, broth, and soy sauce. Mix everything well and adjust the seasonings to taste.
  • Return the cabbage wedges to the pot, pressing them into the liquid gently so they soak up all those wonderful flavors.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serving

  • Once done, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over cooked rice.

Notes

For added spice, consider adding a chopped chili or a dash of hot sauce while sautéing. You can also add chickpeas or tofu for an extra protein boost. Customize with other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more variety.