Pan Seared Cabbage with Spiced Tomato Butter

Golden seared cabbage wedges drizzled with spiced tomato butter, nestled on creamy yogurt, topped with fresh herbs.

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:

Yield: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20-25 mins

Ingredients

• 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

Tomato Butter

• 3 tablespoons Butter, salted, softened

• 1 tablespoon + 1/2 teaspoon Olive Oil

• 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

1. Prep Cabbage: Cut cabbage in half, remove some core, and break into wedges.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.