Easy Cabbage Curry

On weeknights, nearly every Indian home serves a basic cabbage curry like this one, which requires mostly pantry ingredients and very little prep work. It goes well with flatbreads or rice and dal. The best part of this recipe is that it gets done in a few minutes. So tasty, and quick!

What is Cabbage Curry?

Discover the delights of cabbage curry, a pleasantly aromatic and subtle yet flavorful concoction crafted using cabbage, peas, and a careful selection of fragrant spices. This humble dish channels minimalist elegance in its pairing of straightforward ingredients and rich flavors, all while being vegan, soy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free.

Revered as a household staple, this curry serves as an ideal selection for those craving a swift, wholesome, and satisfying meal.

Embrace the recipe that follows to unlock the secret to the quintessential cabbage curry for your instant mealtime cravings.

Ingredients At A Glance 

Cabbage – For a curry recipe, I prefer green or savoy cabbage, but red cabbage is also an option.

Peas – Frozen or fresh peas, either work. I use frozen.

Potatoes – I have added a potato to add body to the curry. The cubed potatoes in this dish make the dish yummier and more appealing.

Spices – This recipe calls for very simple ingredients:

Cumin seeds, cumin powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, and ginger are all that are needed for this recipe.

Tomato – I prefer fresh tomatoes in this recipe, but canned diced tomatoes could also be used.

Oil – I used avocado oil, but other oils such as grapeseed, vegetable, or coconut oil could also be used.

How To Prepare Easy Cabbage Curry

• Preparing the Vegetables: Start with the basic prep work – shredding the cabbage and cubing the potatoes. It’s critical to wash all the ingredients before chopping. You also have the option to peel the potatoes. However, I generally omit this step and go for potatoes with thin, clean skins. If you’re not a fan of potato skins, feel free to peel them.
• Warming the Oil: Proceed to warm up your pan and the oil. Once the oil is adequately heated, it’s time to add the cumin seeds and wait for them to crackle.
• Adding the Spices: Following this, stir in your turmeric and cumin powder. Always remember to keep the heat on medium or low to prevent the spices from burning. 
• Sauteing the Potatoes: Once your spices are well blended, go ahead and add the potatoes. Saute them for 1-2 minutes, then add the ginger paste, continuing to stir for an additional two minutes.
• Cooking the Tomatoes: Next, add the tomatoes and let them cook on low heat until they become pulpy and soft. Don’t forget to stir often.
• Introducing the Cabbage: Now it’s time for the star of the dish – the shredded cabbage. Season with salt and mix everything together thoroughly, then cover and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. Make a point of checking on your cabbage and stirring it occasionally.
• Adding the Frozen Peas: Subsequently, pour in the frozen peas and keep checking to ensure the potatoes are cooked to your liking. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of pot you use and your stove’s heat settings.  
• Finalizing the Dish: Once the cabbage is thoroughly cooked and completely softened, raise the temperature to medium or slightly above. This will allow the curry to sear, adding a delightful smoky flavor. With the heat off, it’s the perfect time to add the garam masala and give the dish a final stir.
• Letting it Settle: Cover and set the curry aside for about 10 minutes, allowing all the spice flavors to meld seamlessly with the rest of the dish. Your easy cabbage curry is now ready to be served!

Pro Tips For Preparing the Perfect, Simple Cabbage Curry

• Choosing the Right Vegetables: Always pick fresh vegetables for the best flavor. The cabbage should be firm and the leaves crisp.
• Washing the Vegetables: Washing your vegetables prior to chopping ensures any dirt or impurities are removed. This is particularly important for the potatoes if you choose not to peel them.
• Cooking On The Correct Heat: Regulating heat is essential in this recipe. Spices can burn quickly so keep the flame low during these steps, similarly, when you’re ready to sear the cabbage, remember to raise the heat.
• Stirring Regularly: Stir the mixture regularly to ensure the spices evenly coat the vegetables and to prevent sticking. This is particularly important after adding the cabbage.
• Checking the Dish: Keep an eye on the cabbage and potatoes. Overcooking can result in a mushy texture.
• Properly Covering: After adding the garam masala, cover the dish and leave it for a while. This helps the spices to infuse and enhance the flavor.
• Adding a Scrumptious Garnish: Adding a small dollop of ghee or vegan butter really elevates the taste of this dish, try it!

Remember, every stove and pan is different, so timings in recipes are always a guide. Always use your judgment to adapt based on your own kitchen appliances.

Other easy vegan curries to try: Jeera Aloo, Adraki Gobi, and Aloo Matar.