I don’t know what convinced me to save this recipe. It’s just cabbage. I didn’t even know what sambal oelek was. Molly certainly doesn’t give it the most raving recommendation.
I’m so glad I did though, because I got to see this line again: “…sometimes, when I sit very still and let my mind go to the places where it goes when I don’t stop it, I miss those days so much.” I want to read that over and over. I have read it over and over.
What days am I missing so much? Does it even matter? I can think of a few in particular, but there are so many times that I wouldn’t mind going back to visit. Maybe someday I’ll look back on today and miss it so much.
Fortunately, the cabbage is worth making not just because it accompanies a beautiful blog entry, but because of its flavor and ease. A few simple ingredients provide a salty spicy savory mix to what starts as a rather bland vegetable. Sometimes I miss this cabbage so much. But then I just go make some more.
One year ago: Applesauce Snack Cake (Don’t let fall pass you by without making this!)
Two years ago: Green Chile Rellenos
Printer Friendly Recipe
Spicy Sautéed Cabbage (adapted from Orangette)
All of the ingredient amounts in this simple recipe will vary depending on your taste and the size of your cabbage.
½ head green cabbage, quartered, cored, and sliced into ¼-inch-thick ribbons
1 tablespoon canola oil
¼ teaspoon salt
1-3 teaspoons sambal oelek
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Heat a 12-inch not-nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the cabbage, oil, and salt. Add the cabbage mixture to the hot skillet and cook without stirring for 1 minute. Stir in the hot sauce and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is browned and wilted. Stir in the soy sauce; taste for seasoning, adding additional salt or soy sauce if necessary; serve.
I’m always looking for ways to eat cabbage other than with caraway. I’ll likely have to find a substitute for the sambal oelek but I think I can approximate the flavor. Thanks.
MMM sambal oelek is a staple in our house (along with the chili garlic sauce that comes in an almost identical container). This looks so good!
I am in awe of the way Molly captures thoughts that we all have but can’t put into words…she’s amazing.
This looks interesting, ingredients I always have on hand but never thought to put together. I will have to try it.
I love cabbage and this looks like a new and different way to try it! Best of all, my spice-loving husband will like it too.
This may convince the Veggie-Hating Husband to at least try cabbage when we start getting inundated by the CSA. He’s getting better, but the spice may kick him over the edge.
And a beautiful quotation to boot!
We’re having friends over for dinner this evening, and since we girls are all on a strict no carb/sugar/dairy program, this looks like a divine side-dish option. And I LOVE spicy food so I can’t wait to try this!!