Roasted Cabbage with Bacon Gremolata is a unique, hearty dish showcasing the humble cabbage in a whole new light. The roasting process brings out a sweet, nutty flavor in the cabbage, which is perfectly offset by the salty and savory bacon gremolata. This dish is a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a rich, flavorful meal.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely to be easily found in any supermarket. The bacon gremolata, however, includes almonds and fresh parsley. Almonds might not be a pantry staple in every home but are usually available in the nuts or baking aisle of the supermarket. Fresh parsley, a common herb, can generally be found in the produce section. Remember to select the thick-cut bacon for the gremolata to achieve the right texture and flavor.
Roasted Cabbage and Bacon Gremolata Ingredients
Cabbage: A versatile vegetable, it's the star of this dish, providing a hearty base and a sweet, nutty flavor once roasted.
Olive oil: Enhances the flavor of the cabbage and helps it roast to golden perfection.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the cabbage.
Almonds: These provide a crunchy texture and rich flavor to the bacon gremolata.
Bacon: Adds a savory, salty element to the gremolata. Thick-cut is recommended for its texture and robust flavor.
Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the gremolata.
Lemon zest: Offers a citrusy brightness that balances the rich flavors of the gremolata.
Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, umami kick to the gremolata, rounding out its flavor profile.
One reader, Eula Tsai says:
This roasted cabbage with bacon gremolata recipe is a game-changer! The cabbage turns out perfectly tender with a crispy edge, and the bacon gremolata adds a burst of flavor. It's a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Highly recommended!
Mastering the Art of Roasted Cabbage
How to roast cabbage: Roast cabbage slices in the oven at 400°F for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking, until they are golden-brown with crispy edges and tender centers.
How to prepare bacon gremolata: Toast almonds in the oven until fragrant, then finely chop them. Cook bacon until crispy, then chop it. Combine the chopped almonds, bacon, parsley, lemon zest, and salt in a bowl to create the gremolata.
How To Make Roasted Cabbage with Bacon Gremolata
Savor this delicious roasted cabbage, made delightfully crunchy with a sprinkle of zesty and crunchy bacon gremolata with nuts and cheese for topping!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cabbage:
- 1headmedium cabbage,(about 1½ lbs)
- 2tbspolive oil
- ½tspsalt
- freshly ground black pepper
For Bacon Gremolata:
- ¾cupunsalted almonds,roasted
- 4bacon strips,(about ¼ lb), thick-cut, good quality
- 3tbspfresh parsley,minced
- 1tsplemon zest,freshly grated
- pinchkosher salt
- parmesan cheese,freshly grated, to serve
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange 2 oven racks in the upper and lower third of the oven.
Cabbage:
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Peel off 1 or 2 of the thin, limp outer layers of the cabbage. Trim the stem so that it is flush with the bottom of the cabbage.
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Set the cabbage upright and slice into 1-inch thick slices. Use a pastry brush to cover both sides of the cabbage slices with olive oil, or use fingers to rub the oil in. Season both sides with a little salt and pepper.
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Arrange the cabbage slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
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Roast on the lower oven rack for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through cooking. When done, both sides should be seared an even golden-brown with crispy edges and the center of the slices should be tender.
Bacon Gremolata:
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If using unroasted almonds, arrange them on another sheet pan and roast in the upper part of the oven for about 10 minutes, until toasted and fragrant.
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Remove from the oven, cool briefly, then finely chop using a chef’s knife.
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Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until very crispy.
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Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. When cool, roughly chop.
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Combine the chopped almonds, chopped bacon, minced parsley, lemon zest, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small mixing bowl.
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Toss to combine and set aside.
To Assemble:
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As soon as the cabbage slices are done roasting, transfer to a serving platter or individual plates.
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Sprinkle with bacon gremolata, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
The bacon gremolata can be prepared ahead and kept refrigerated in an airtight container for about 1 week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 264.04kcal
- Fat: 21.28g
- Saturated Fat: 3.93g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.33g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.96g
- Carbohydrates: 13.43g
- Fiber: 6.26g
- Sugar: 5.85g
- Protein: 8.28g
- Cholesterol: 12.76mg
- Sodium: 455.47mg
- Calcium: 115.48mg
- Potassium: 445.54mg
- Iron: 1.66mg
- Vitamin A: 17.86µg
- Vitamin C: 58.35mg
Elevate Your Roasting Game with This Simple Tip
When preparing the cabbage, ensure to slice it into even 1-inch thick slices. This promotes even cooking and ensures that all pieces will be done at the same time. Also, when roasting the almonds, keep a close eye on them as they can easily burn. They should be lightly toasted and fragrant. Lastly, when cooking the bacon, start with a cold skillet. This allows the fat to slowly render out, resulting in crispy bacon without burning.
Time-Saving Hacks for This Delicious Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop the almonds and parsley in advance and store them in airtight containers. Cook and chop the bacon ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use.
Use pre-sliced cabbage: Save time by purchasing pre-sliced cabbage from the grocery store to skip the step of slicing the cabbage yourself.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch of gremolata and store the extra in the refrigerator for future use. It can be a versatile topping for other dishes.
Multi-task: While the cabbage is roasting, prepare the bacon gremolata to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp, high-quality chef's knife will make chopping the almonds and parsley a breeze, saving time and effort.
Streamline cleanup: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup after roasting the cabbage and toasting the almonds.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Cabbage with Bacon Gremolata Recipe
cabbage - Substitute with brussels sprouts: Brussels sprouts have a similar texture and flavor profile to cabbage when roasted, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for roasting the cabbage.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a slightly different flavor profile while still adding a peppery kick to the dish.
unsalted almonds - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can provide a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dish when used as a substitute for almonds in the gremolata.
thick-cut bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is a suitable substitute for bacon in the gremolata, offering a similar savory and salty flavor profile.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the gremolata.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest can be used as a substitute for lemon zest, providing a citrusy and aromatic flavor to the gremolata.
kosher salt - Substitute with Himalayan pink salt: Himalayan pink salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of saltiness and a hint of mineral flavor to the gremolata.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan, offering a slightly sharper and saltier flavor to the dish.
Elevate Your Plate: Presentation Tips
Elevate the cabbage slices: Arrange the roasted cabbage slices in a circular pattern on the plate, slightly overlapping each other for an elegant presentation.
Garnish with bacon gremolata: Sprinkle the bacon gremolata generously over the roasted cabbage, ensuring it is evenly distributed for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Drizzle with olive oil: Finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add a glossy sheen and enhance the overall richness of the dish.
Add a touch of lemon zest: Grate fresh lemon zest over the plated dish to infuse it with a subtle citrus aroma and a pop of vibrant color.
Sprinkle with grated parmesan: Lightly sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the roasted cabbage for a hint of umami and a touch of indulgence.
Serve on elegant plating: Present the dish on a sophisticated, minimalist plate to allow the vibrant colors and textures of the roasted cabbage and gremolata to take center stage.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Roasted Cabbage
- Oven: An essential appliance for roasting the cabbage and toasting the almonds.
- Baking sheet: Used to arrange the cabbage slices in a single layer for roasting and to toast the almonds.
- Pastry brush: Used to evenly coat the cabbage slices with olive oil.
- Skillet: Used to cook the bacon until crispy.
- Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the almonds and bacon for the gremolata.
- Food processor: Optional for finely chopping the almonds for the gremolata.
Preserving Perfection: Storage and Freezing Guidelines
Let the roasted cabbage cool completely before storing. This will help prevent it from becoming soggy or developing condensation in the container.
Store the cooled roasted cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to seal the container tightly to prevent the cabbage from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.
If you want to keep the bacon gremolata separate from the cabbage, store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
When ready to serve, reheat the roasted cabbage in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Sprinkle the reserved bacon gremolata over the top before serving.
To freeze the roasted cabbage, let it cool completely and then place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours, and then transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to use the frozen roasted cabbage, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy around the edges.
It's best to make the bacon gremolata fresh when serving, as the texture of the almonds and bacon may change after being frozen and thawed. However, if you have leftover gremolata, you can freeze it separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
Reviving Leftovers: Reheating Tips and Tricks
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover roasted cabbage slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle a bit of water over the cabbage to help rehydrate it during reheating. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent the cabbage from drying out or burning. Heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is heated through and slightly crispy around the edges.
- For a quicker option, reheat the roasted cabbage in the microwave. Place the cabbage slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cabbage to become soggy.
- To maintain the crispiness of the bacon in the gremolata, reheat it separately. Spread the bacon gremolata on a baking sheet and place it in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the bacon is sizzling and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat the bacon gremolata in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy.
- If you have an air fryer, you can use it to quickly reheat both the roasted cabbage and the bacon gremolata. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the cabbage slices in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy. Remove the cabbage and reheat the bacon gremolata in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes, or until crispy.
- For a stovetop method, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Once hot, add the roasted cabbage slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy. Reheat the bacon gremolata in the same skillet for 1-2 minutes, or until crispy.
Surprising Trivia About Roasted Cabbage
The roasted cabbage with bacon gremolata recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavor of cabbage with the smoky richness of bacon. This dish is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal. The bacon gremolata adds a crunchy and savory topping that enhances the overall flavor and texture of the dish. It's a simple yet impressive recipe that can be served as a side dish or a main course, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this unique dish!
Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Recipe Economical?
This roasted cabbage with bacon gremolata recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Cabbage is an affordable and versatile vegetable, while bacon gremolata adds a flavorful punch without breaking the bank. The combination of these ingredients creates a satisfying and budget-friendly meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12, making it an economical choice for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Is This Roasted Cabbage Dish Healthy?
This roasted cabbage with bacon gremolata recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe uses bacon, which is high in saturated fat and sodium. While it adds great flavor, consuming too much bacon can contribute to heart disease and other health issues.
- Almonds are a nutritious ingredient, but the recipe doesn't specify the amount of oil used for roasting them. If a significant amount of oil is used, it can increase the overall calorie and fat content of the dish.
- The recipe doesn't include any other vegetables or nutrient-dense ingredients apart from cabbage, which limits its nutritional value.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the bacon with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or grilled chicken breast. This will reduce the amount of saturated fat and sodium in the dish while still providing protein.
- Use a minimal amount of oil when roasting the almonds, or opt for dry-roasting to reduce the added fat content.
- Incorporate additional vegetables into the dish to increase its nutrient density. For example, you could add sliced bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the roasting pan alongside the cabbage.
- Consider using a lighter dressing or seasoning instead of the bacon gremolata. A simple drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs can add flavor without the extra saturated fat and sodium.
- Serve the roasted cabbage as a side dish alongside a lean protein source and other nutrient-dense foods, such as quinoa or a mixed green salad, to create a well-balanced meal.
Editor's Take: A Flavorful and Unique Side Dish
The roasted cabbage with bacon gremolata recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The roasted cabbage becomes tender with crispy edges, while the bacon gremolata adds a savory and nutty crunch. The use of almonds and lemon zest in the gremolata brings a refreshing and bright element to the dish. The recipe is well-balanced and offers a unique twist on a classic vegetable, making it a standout side dish for any meal.
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Why trust this Roasted Cabbage with Bacon Gremolata Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional cabbage, infusing it with rich flavors and textures. The roasted cabbage is cooked to perfection, achieving a golden-brown sear and tender center. The addition of a savory bacon gremolata elevates the dish, providing a delightful crunch and smoky essence. The use of high-quality ingredients such as unsalted almonds and thick-cut bacon ensures a depth of flavor. The incorporation of fresh parsley and lemon zest adds a refreshing and zesty element. Trust in this recipe for a delectable and satisfying culinary experience.
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