Creamy Cabbage Gratin With Toasted Almonds: A Delightful Vegetable Side Dish
Preparation and Cooking Times
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
Description
This delightful Creamy Cabbage Gratin is a wonderful vegetable side dish that presents an enticing combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meat dish served without sauce, such as grilled or broiled steak or chicken. The dish features tender, steamed cabbage enveloped in a delicate cream sauce, which is slightly sweet and subtly spicy. Topped with a crunchy layer of toasted almonds and a savory cheese and breadcrumb mixture, this gratin elevates any meal. Moreover, its preparation allows for advanced assembly, making it convenient for entertaining or busy weeknights. Simply prepare it up to the baking stage several hours ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other elements of your meal while the oven works its magic.
Recipe Category
Vegetable
Keywords
- Under 60 Minutes
- Oven
- Stove Top
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 23.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 48.2 mg |
| Sodium | 477.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 19.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g |
| Sugars | 6.4 g |
| Protein | 8.3 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage | 300-400 grams |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Margarine | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh Ground Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Sugar | ½ teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | ⅛ teaspoon |
| Paprika | 2 teaspoons |
| Cheddar Cheese | ¾ cup, grated |
| Breadcrumbs | ½ cup |
| Almonds (sliced) | ¼ cup |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure that it reaches the ideal baking temperature for the gratin.
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Prepare the Cabbage: Take the cabbage and place it in a colander, rinsing it briefly under cold running water. This step helps to slightly dampen the cabbage, which is essential for steaming.
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Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over moderately high heat. Once melted, add the drained, yet still damp, cabbage to the saucepan.
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Steam the Cabbage: Stir the cabbage well, then cover the saucepan with a lid. Allow the cabbage to steam over moderate high heat for approximately 5 minutes, or until it becomes tender yet retains a slight crunch. This method of cooking ensures the cabbage is flavorful and well-cooked.
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Mix the Cream Sauce: While the cabbage is steaming, take a small bowl and combine the cream, salt, black pepper, sugar, nutmeg, and paprika. Stir the mixture until fully combined, creating a rich and aromatic sauce that will enhance the flavors of the cabbage.
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Toast the Almonds: When the cabbage has reached the desired tenderness, remove the saucepan from the heat. In a small frying pan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil for a minute or two over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced almonds, tossing them constantly until they turn a light golden brown. This process will bring out their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the dish.
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Combine the Ingredients: Add the toasted almonds and the cream mixture to the cooked cabbage in the saucepan. Stir everything together until the cabbage is well-coated with the creamy mixture, ensuring every bite is deliciously rich.
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Prepare the Casserole Dish: Grease a small casserole or Pyrex dish with butter or margarine to prevent the gratin from sticking during baking. This step is crucial for an easy release after cooking.
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Transfer the Cabbage Mixture: Carefully transfer the creamy cabbage mixture into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
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Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated cheddar cheese. This mixture will form a deliciously crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cabbage.
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Assemble the Dish: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the cabbage. This topping will add flavor and texture, enhancing the overall appeal of the dish.
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Make Ahead Option: If you wish to prepare this gratin in advance, you can stop here. Cover the assembled dish with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. This feature makes it ideal for meal prep or entertaining, as you can focus on other dishes while this one awaits its turn in the oven.
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Bake the Gratin: Place the casserole dish on the center shelf of your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you have refrigerated the dish prior to baking, the cooking time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the gratin is beautifully golden and aromatic, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The creamy sauce will slightly spread across the plate, blending exquisitely with any meat juices from your main dish, creating a delightful flavor experience that is sure to impress.
This Creamy Cabbage Gratin with Toasted Almonds is not only a visual delight but also a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into your meal in a way that everyone will love. With its creamy, savory flavors and crunchy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite side dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy this culinary creation that showcases the humble cabbage in a spectacular way!
