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This vibrant Jamaican cabbage dish brings together crisp vegetables with a lively touch of Scotch bonnet pepper, making it a perfect vegan meal full of color and flavor. It is simple to prepare and offers both a nutritious and exciting experience on the plate.
I remember the first time I made this for a small dinner party and how impressed everyone was by the bold flavors despite the simplicity. Now it’s a go-to dish whenever I want something light but flavorful.
Ingredients
- Cabbage: choose a firm head with crisp leaves for the best texture
- Carrot: adds sweetness and beautiful orange color, fresh is best
- Olive oil: essential for sautéing and adding depth, opt for extra virgin for richer taste
- Onion: provides a savory base, select onions that are firm and free from blemishes
- Garlic: aromatic and flavorful, use fresh cloves rather than pre-minced for more punch
- Red bell pepper: makes the dish colorful and slightly sweet, look for glossy skins without soft spots
- Fresh thyme: adds a subtle herbal note, if fresh is unavailable dried thyme can be used but less is recommended
- Scallions: offer freshness and mild onion flavor
- Salt: enhances all other ingredients, adjust to your preference
- Water or vegetable broth: broth will add more flavor but water works fine for a lighter touch
- Scotch bonnet pepper: optional but key for authentic spicy kick if unavailable, small hot chili can substitute
Instructions
- Sauté the onions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent. This step is important to bring out their sweetness and form the savory base of the dish.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until its fragrance is released but be careful to avoid burning it as that can cause bitterness.
- Incorporate carrots and bell pepper:
- Add the sliced carrots and red bell pepper to the pan. Stir regularly and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still hold some bite.
- Add cabbage and thyme:
- Add the chopped cabbage and sprinkle fresh thyme over the mixture. Stir well so the flavors start to meld together evenly.
- Season and add liquid:
- Season everything with salt to taste. Pour in the water or vegetable broth which will help steam the vegetables and meld the flavors.
- Add Scotch bonnet pepper:
- If you wish for a spicy kick, add the whole Scotch bonnet pepper to the pan now. You can always remove it later if the heat proves too much.
- Simmer gently:
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let the cabbage simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until it becomes tender yet remains bright and fresh-looking.
I love how the juice from the cabbage mixes with the thyme and pepper to create a lively aroma in the kitchen. One memorable time I served this during a summer picnic and guests loved its freshness and spicy twist that contrasted wonderfully with the warm weather.
Storage Tips
This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture and flavor without drying out the vegetables.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Scotch bonnet pepper, try using a small piece of fresh chili or a splash of hot sauce to replicate the heat. Thyme can be replaced by rosemary or oregano for a slightly different herb aroma. In winter, add some leeks or fennel to complement the cabbage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. It pairs beautifully with grilled tofu or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete meal. A squeeze of fresh lime juice on top just before serving adds a lovely brightness.
This dish always brings a bit of sunshine and spice to my table even on gray days. I hope it will do the same for you.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quels légumes composent ce plat ?
Le plat utilise du chou, carottes, oignon, poivron rouge, ail, et oignons verts pour une palette colorée et savoureuse.
- → Peut-on ajuster le niveau d’épices ?
Oui, le piment Scotch bonnet est optionnel et peut être ajouté selon votre préférence pour une chaleur plus ou moins marquée.
- → Quel type de cuisson est recommandé ?
Une cuisson douce à la poêle permettant de garder le croquant des légumes tout en infusant les saveurs.
- → Ce plat convient-il à un régime vegan ?
Absolument, tous les ingrédients sont d’origine végétale, parfait pour une alimentation vegan.
- → Quels assaisonnements sont utilisés ?
Huile d’olive, sel, ail, thym frais et optionnellement du piment Scotch bonnet pour relever le goût.