As a child I read my treasured Roald Dahl book collection many times over. The same collection still sits on my bookcase 25 years on. Only recently, for the first time in years, did I dive back into the Roald Dahl archives. Inspired by gifting Fantastic Mr Fox to my niece I wrote a piece on memorable quotes from Roald Dahl classics.

Here I’m sharing what you could call the ‘foodie’ quote. With Winter arriving in some parts of the world I thought my readers, especially those in colder climbs, would appreciate this extract from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory:

“There is something about very cold weather that gives one an enormous appetite. Most of us find ourselves beginning to crave rich steaming stews and hot apple pies and all kinds of delicious warming dishes; and because we are all a great deal luckier than we realise, we usually get what we want—or near enough.”

This fantastic quote leads me to this vegetarian recipe – deliciously warming cooked red cabbage. It’s perfect for a cold Winter day (but equally something I’ll serve at room temperature as a Summer dish here in Australia). If you didn’t come here for the red cabbage then check out all 12 top Roald Dahl quotes here. They’re funny and inspiring, and certainly not reserved for Roald Dahl fans.

Deliciously warming cooked red cabbage

Red cabbage in it’s raw form for me never has really hit the spot. Raw red cabbage feels ordinary, like it needs more help to reach it’s delicious potential (and I’m not one for resorting to lashings of mayo or other naughty ingredients to achieve this). That’s where this method of cooking red cabbage comes in. After discovering this recipe (I can’t recall where) cooked red cabbage has been a staple in my kitchen. This recipe is vegan and super nutritious, being packed with fibre, potassium, magnesium and Vitamins K and C.

What I love about this recipe is that the gentle cooking of the cabbage in vinegar creates an extraordinary flavour – cooking also makes the cabbage much easier to digest.

This recipe is easy and cheap to prepare and is super versatile – serve it:

• with smashed avocado as a satisfying lunch salad,
• with hummus and flat breads as the hero of a hearty veggie dinner,
• as a side dish as part of a Christmas or Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients

Makes 2 generous servings for a main meal or 4-6 as a side dish

• 1/2 red cabbage 
• 1 large onion (preferably red)
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp salt 
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin powder or cumin seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – if making a saintly version
• Or 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar – for a more indulgent version 
• Handful fresh parsley stalks and leaves (optional)

Note – mix up the spices to your liking (I’ve used garam masala for an Indian version for example)

Method

• Heat the coconut oil in a large pan (don’t underestimate the pan size needed).
• Finely slice the onion and add to the pan to cook, then add the crushed garlic.
• chop the cabbage (finely or chunky depending on your preference).
• Add the cumin seeds and other spices and cook for a minute.
• Gradually add the cabbage, salt and vinegar and mix well with the onion and spices.
• Simmer on a low to medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes (stirring a few times). 
• If it feels a little dry add a splash or two of water whilst cooking.
• Once cooked stir through the fresh parsley.
• Serve hot or at room temperature and keep leftovers for a couple of days!

Inspired to cook more red cabbage? Check out my post for roasted red cabbage steaks – another way to make red cabbage extraordinary. 

More quotes to inspire

Back to those Roald Dahl quotes. I couldn’t resist. Here are another couple…

“A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” The Twits

“Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous. Go the whole hog. Make sure everything you do is so completely crazy it’s unbelievable…” Matilda

Read here for all 12 quotes.

Enjoy! Laura