Stewed cabbage may seem bland on its own. Spices help to tackle this problem. Their variety allows for flavor regulation in many ways. What spices, seasonings, and other additions are suitable for stewed cabbage? We explain in detail.
Classic Spices for Stewed Cabbage
Every cook surely has bay leaves in their kitchen. This is a great classic way to give stewed cabbage a more interesting flavor.
Cumin and marjoram will also be a good addition to stewed cabbage.
Another option is to add tomato paste. It will give the dish a slight acidity.
Spices for Lovers of Spiciness
Don’t forget about pepper — black or red will do. Despite its simplicity, this spice can transform the taste of stewed cabbage. It’s best to add pepper closer to the end of cooking, otherwise, it will lose its properties.
Garlic is also essential. Both fresh and dried garlic will work. It’s best to use it at the very end — literally a few minutes before it's ready.
A great option is khmeli-suneli. This spice pairs well with stewed cabbage and adds a piquant flavor.
Spices for Stewed Cabbage with Meat
According to experts, one of the best spices for stewed cabbage with meat is coriander. It pairs well with both components of the dish and gives it Eastern notes. It’s best to add the spice at the same time as the meat.
If you are cooking stewed cabbage with poultry, it is recommended to add turmeric or curry.
Secret Additions
To enhance the flavor of stewed cabbage, you can use not only spices. Here are some other ingredients you can add.
A little sugar or honey
By adding sweetness to the dish with sugar or honey, you can achieve a more balanced flavor. This is especially relevant if the stewed cabbage is seasoned with tomato paste.
As for sugar, when heated, it caramelizes, giving the dish an even more unusual taste and texture.
Soy sauce
Culinary experimenters will be interested in trying stewed cabbage with soy sauce. In this case, there is no need to salt the dish.
