Pan Seared Cabbage with Spiced Tomato Butter
By Katherine OwenMarch 1, 2025
Cabbage is often overlooked—a humble, affordable vegetable with a long shelf life, but it’s finally getting the attention it deserves. Once seen as the “poor man’s vegetable,” cabbage is now being rediscovered as a trendy, versatile ingredient. All it needs is a little love to become the star of the dish.
In this recipe, we elevate cabbage by slathering it in a smoky, spiced tomato butter (because butter really does make everything better) and serving it with creamy yogurt and fresh herbs.
What You’ll Need:
- Fish spatula (for easy flipping)
- Large skillet (for searing cabbage)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Small saucepan (for making tomato butter)
- Mixing bowl (for combining the butter and spices)
Recipe Information
Yield: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients
Seared Cabbage
- 1 medium Savoy Cabbage, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt (for serving)
- (optional) Fennel fronds for garnish
- 3 tablespoons Butter, salted, softened
- 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon Olive Oil
- Tomato Butter
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Fennel Seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon Sumac
- 1 pinch Black Pepper
- 1 pinch Salt
Instructions
- Prep Cabbage: Cut cabbage in half, remove some core, and break into wedges.
- Make Tomato Butter:
- Heat 1/2 tsp olive oil in a saucepan. Add tomato paste and roast 1 min.
- Add fennel seeds, toast 1 min, then add cumin, paprika, and sumac. Cook for another minute.
- Remove from heat, cool, then blend with softened butter in a bowl.
- Sear & Bake Cabbage:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Sear cabbage in 1 tbsp olive oil for 3 mins each side, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Season with salt and pepper. Brush with 2 tbsp of tomato butter, reserving 1 tbsp.
- Bake for 20-25 mins.
- Serve:
- Melt remaining tomato butter and drizzle over cabbage.
- Plate with a base of Greek yogurt, and garnish with any fresh herbs on hand.
Chef’s Notes:
- Use Savoy cabbage for its tender texture and ability to hold wedges without falling apart.
- Toasting the tomato paste and spices enhances their flavor—don’t skip this step!
- A fish spatula is ideal for flipping cabbage wedges without breaking them.
- Serve warm with yogurt and herbs for the best balance of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors.
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VEGETARIAN
