Spiced Cabbage Rice Recipe
Spiced Cabbage Rice is a wholesome and aromatic Indian-inspired dish that combines the delightful flavors of sautéed cabbage and fragrant spices. The nutty, subtle sweetness of cabbage elevates the rice, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish perfect for lunch. Infused with the aromatic touch of curry leaves, ginger, garlic, and a touch of heat from green chilies, this rice recipe can be customized further with soy granules or paneer to add texture and richness. Whether you serve it alongside a tangy vegetable raita or enjoy it on its own, Spiced Cabbage Rice promises to be a delicious, nutritious meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Rice | 2 cups |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi / Muttaikose) | 2 cups, finely sliced |
| Soy Granules (soaked in water until soft) or Paneer (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 leaves |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch stick |
| Mace (Javitri) | 1 flower |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, grated |
| Garlic | 1 clove, finely chopped |
| Green Chilies | 2, finely chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 4 sprigs, chopped |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Oil | As needed for cooking |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions
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Heat the Ghee and Spices:
Begin by heating 1 teaspoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and mace. Let the spices cook for a few seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen, releasing their essential oils and fragrance. -
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Sauté Aromatics:
Add the finely chopped onions, grated ginger, garlic, and green chilies to the pan. Sauté everything together until the onions turn soft and golden brown, infusing the oil with a wonderful fragrance. -
Cook the Cabbage:
In the meantime, pressure cook the rice by adding it to a pressure cooker with water. Keep it aside once done.
Add the finely sliced cabbage to the pan with the sautéed aromatics. If you are using soy granules (or paneer), add them now as well. Stir well, cover the pan, and cook the cabbage on low heat until it becomes soft and tender. The cabbage will develop a nutty aroma as it cooks down. -
Add the Spices:
Once the cabbage is tender, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and black pepper powder to the pan. Toss everything together to coat the cabbage and soy granules (or paneer) in the aromatic spices. The vibrant colors from the spices will give your rice a warm and inviting appearance. -
Combine Rice and Cabbage Mixture:
Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Add salt to taste, ensuring the rice is seasoned well. Toss the mixture gently, so the rice and cabbage are evenly distributed. Add chopped coriander leaves and mix them in for a fresh, herby flavor. -
Simmer and Serve:
Drizzle in the remaining ghee for added richness and stir everything together. Let the rice simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. -
Serving:
Serve your Spiced Cabbage Rice hot with a side of vegetable raita of your choice. This dish is perfect for lunch, offering a filling yet light meal, packed with flavors and textures.
Tips for the Best Cabbage Rice:
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Soy Granules or Paneer: Adding soy granules or paneer is optional but highly recommended to enhance the texture and protein content of the dish. Soy granules add a meaty texture, while paneer offers a rich and creamy taste.
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Ghee for Richness: Using ghee adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the rice, making it more flavorful. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute with oil, but ghee will enhance the traditional taste.
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Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies according to your spice tolerance. For a milder dish, reduce the quantity of chili powder.
Serving Suggestions:
Spiced Cabbage Rice is versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
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Vegetable Raita: A cool, refreshing yogurt-based raita with cucumber, tomatoes, and spices is a perfect complement to the warmth of the spiced rice.
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Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad with a squeeze of lemon juice and a dash of salt balances the richness of the rice.
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Papadum: Crispy papadums or papads make a delightful crunchy side for the soft rice.
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Pickles: A tangy mango pickle or mixed vegetable pickle will add a burst of flavor alongside the mild and subtly spiced rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Nutritious & Wholesome: This dish is packed with fiber from cabbage and offers a balanced combination of spices and herbs for a rich flavor profile.
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Quick and Easy: It comes together in under an hour, making it a great choice for a busy weekday lunch or dinner.
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Customizable: You can add protein like soy granules or paneer for extra texture and flavor, or keep it vegan for a lighter dish.
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Perfect for Lunchboxes: This rice holds up well in lunchboxes, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Plus, it’s delicious when served cold, so you can enjoy it the next day.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on ingredient variations.)
Spiced Cabbage Rice is an incredible fusion of flavors and textures that will quickly become a go-to meal in your kitchen. With its fragrant spices and hearty vegetables, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious, offering a filling meal with all the aromatic flair of Indian cuisine. Perfect for any occasion, this rice dish can be a satisfying lunch or dinner, a family favorite, or a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
