Why Make This Recipe
This Healthy Fried Cabbage and Potatoes recipe is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal. It combines the natural sweetness of potatoes with the rich flavor of cabbage and onions. Plus, it’s easy to make, affordable, and perfect as a main dish or a side. The use of smoked paprika and thyme adds a lovely depth of flavor without the need for heavy sauces or additional fats.
How to Make Healthy Fried Cabbage and Potatoes
Ingredients:
- Potatoes: 1.5 lbs (about 680g) waxy potatoes (such as Yukon Gold, Red Potatoes, or Fingerlings), scrubbed and diced into ½-inch pieces
- Cabbage: 1 medium head (about 2 lbs or 900g) green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped or shredded
- Onion: 1 large yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced or chopped
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: 3 tablespoons, divided
- Vegetable Broth or Water: ¼ cup (60ml), plus more if needed
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon (or 1 ½ teaspoons fresh, chopped)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Optional Acidity: 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (to add at the end)
Directions:
- Place the diced potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are just slightly tender but still firm (al dente). Drain well and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the potatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and crisp on the edges.
- Add the sliced or chopped onion to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and become translucent, and the potatoes are golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the ¼ cup of vegetable broth or water. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the cabbage steam and soften for about 10-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes. Adjust cooking time based on how tender you like your cabbage. Add more broth or water if needed.
- Increase the heat back to medium or medium-high to evaporate any excess liquid and get more browning, stirring frequently.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the optional apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately while hot.
How to Serve Healthy Fried Cabbage and Potatoes
This dish is best served hot. It can stand alone as a satisfying main course or accompany proteins like grilled chicken, fish, or sausages. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for an extra touch.
How to Store Healthy Fried Cabbage and Potatoes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or broth to help bring moisture back to the dish.
Tips to Make Healthy Fried Cabbage and Potatoes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the potatoes to get a nice crisp.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrients.
- Adjust the spices to your taste. Add a bit of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Variation
For a heartier version, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage to the mix for added flavor. You can also use different types of cabbage, such as purple cabbage, for a pop of color.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, you can use other waxy potatoes like Red Potatoes or Fingerlings for similar results. Just avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they may become too mushy.
2. Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal products. You can use vegetable broth or water for added moisture.
3. Can I freeze leftover cabbage and potatoes?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. When reheating, add a little broth or water to help restore moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Healthy Fried Cabbage and Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs waxy potatoes (such as Yukon Gold, Red Potatoes, or Fingerlings), scrubbed and diced into ½-inch pieces
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped or shredded (about 2 lbs or 900g)
- 1 large yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced or chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Essentials
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil or Avocado Oil, divided
- ¼ cup Vegetable Broth or Water, plus more if needed (60ml)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme (or 1 ½ teaspoons fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for acidity) to add at the end
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the diced potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are just slightly tender but still firm (al dente). Drain well and set aside.
Cooking
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the potatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and crisp on the edges.
- Add the sliced or chopped onion to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and become translucent, and the potatoes are golden brown.
- Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the ¼ cup of vegetable broth or water. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the cabbage steam and soften for about 10-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes. Adjust cooking time based on how tender you like your cabbage. Add more broth or water if needed.
- Increase the heat back to medium or medium-high to evaporate any excess liquid and get more browning, stirring frequently.
- Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the optional apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately while hot.