It is always a challenge trying to convince my two sons to eat vegetables. I have to come up with ideas on how to make them appealing to their palate. As they are fond of potato bhaji, I decided to use the same ingredients with the addition of cabbage. Grated coconut is optional which I left out as this vegetable dish was served with coconut curry and rice. It can be eaten with roti or bread.
Cabbage has a high water content, around 93% and should always be cooked in its own moisture at low temperature. Overcooking can result in some loss of its nutrition. A versatile ingredient which goes well with meat, stir-fries, soups and other vegetables. In this recipe, small cubes of potatoes are first cooked with the seasonings and little water. Once they are partially done, the shredded cabbage is stirred in with no water. Cooks in minutes, with a dash of lemon juice added at the end to enhance the flavour of the dish.
Rich in fibre, cabbage aids in digestion. A good source of beta-carotene and improves eye health. Maintains healthy blood pressure and body weight. Contains calcium that is important for bone health. Presence of antioxidants is good for the skin and hair while the anti-cancer compounds help prevent cancer. Lowers cholesterol levels. An economical vegetable that is available all year round.
Cabbage has a high water content, around 93% and should always be cooked in its own moisture at low temperature. Overcooking can result in some loss of its nutrition. A versatile ingredient which goes well with meat, stir-fries, soups and other vegetables. In this recipe, small cubes of potatoes are first cooked with the seasonings and little water. Once they are partially done, the shredded cabbage is stirred in with no water. Cooks in minutes, with a dash of lemon juice added at the end to enhance the flavour of the dish.
Rich in fibre, cabbage aids in digestion. A good source of beta-carotene and improves eye health. Maintains healthy blood pressure and body weight. Contains calcium that is important for bone health. Presence of antioxidants is good for the skin and hair while the anti-cancer compounds help prevent cancer. Lowers cholesterol levels. An economical vegetable that is available all year round.
Cabbage Bhaji
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
1/2 kg cabbage
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 onion (chopped)
1 sprig of curry leaves
2 long green chillies (slit)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 cup water
3 medium-sized potatoes
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh grated coconut (optional)
2 tablespoons oil
salt
Method:
Cut cabbage into fine shreds. Using a colander, wash and drain well.
Dice potatoes into small cubes.
Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and curry leaves. When the seeds start to splutter, saute onion till soft. Stir in turmeric powder, green chillies, followed by the potatoes, 1/4 cup water and salt. Reduce heat to low and let potatoes cook. (Do not add extra water.)
When potatoes are half done, mix in the cabbage shreds. Continue to cook on extreme low heat till cabbage is tender, yet crunchy by which time the potatoes will be ready too. Check for seasoning, add lemon juice and salt. Stir in grated coconut at the end.
Serve cabbage bhaji as a side dish with main meal.
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
1/2 kg cabbage
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 onion (chopped)
1 sprig of curry leaves
2 long green chillies (slit)
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/4 cup water
3 medium-sized potatoes
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh grated coconut (optional)
2 tablespoons oil
salt
Method:
Cut cabbage into fine shreds. Using a colander, wash and drain well.
Dice potatoes into small cubes.
Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and curry leaves. When the seeds start to splutter, saute onion till soft. Stir in turmeric powder, green chillies, followed by the potatoes, 1/4 cup water and salt. Reduce heat to low and let potatoes cook. (Do not add extra water.)
When potatoes are half done, mix in the cabbage shreds. Continue to cook on extreme low heat till cabbage is tender, yet crunchy by which time the potatoes will be ready too. Check for seasoning, add lemon juice and salt. Stir in grated coconut at the end.
Serve cabbage bhaji as a side dish with main meal.
