Imagine serving a dish that’s not only healthy but also packed with layers of flavor, texture, and a hint of spice. Roasted cabbage with yogurt sauce is that dish—a surprisingly simple recipe that transforms humble cabbage into a crispy, caramelized delight, perfectly complemented by a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish, a light main course, or a vibrant addition to your dinner table, this recipe is a must-try. With its smoky edges, earthy spices, and refreshing yogurt drizzle, it’s a great way to elevate cabbage from a basic vegetable to the star of the meal.
Why You’ll Love Roasted Cabbage with Yogurt Sauce
- Quick and easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and just a handful of ingredients.
- Healthy and wholesome: It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice.
- Bursting with flavor: Smoky za’atar, spicy chili oil, and tangy yogurt create a delicious balance.
- Vegan-friendly: By using vegan yogurt, this recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for everyone.
- Visually appealing: The golden-brown wedges, creamy sauce, and fresh herbs make for a stunning presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a complete breakdown of the ingredients required for this recipe:
Category | Ingredient | Amount |
For the Cabbage | Cabbage (½ head) | 1 piece (medium size) |
Olive oil | 3 tbsp | |
Salt | 1 tsp | |
Black pepper | ½ tsp | |
Za’atar spice | ½ tsp | |
Chili oil (optional) | 1 tbsp | |
Chopped parsley | 1 tbsp | |
For the Yogurt Sauce | Vegan Greek-style yogurt | 2 tbsp |
Whole grain mustard | ½ tbsp | |
Lemon juice | ½ lemon (about 1 tbsp) | |
Garlic cloves, minced | 2 | |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp | |
Salt | ½ tsp |
Step-by-Step Recipe for Roasted Cabbage with Yogurt Sauce
1. Prepare the Cabbage
Cut into Wedges
- Start by slicing the cabbage in half.
- Take one half and cut it into six evenly-sized wedges. Each wedge should have part of the core attached to help hold it together during roasting.
Season the Cabbage
- Place the wedges on a lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon za’atar spice.
- Brush the seasoning mixture evenly onto both sides of each wedge, ensuring every piece is coated.
2. Roast the Cabbage
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Roast Until Golden
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the cabbage for 40 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through to ensure even browning.
- The cabbage should be tender in the center with crispy, golden edges.
3. Make the Yogurt Sauce
Combine the Ingredients
- In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 tablespoons vegan yogurt
- ½ tablespoon whole grain mustard
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix Until Smooth
- Stir the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice to taste.
4. Assemble the Dish
Plate the Cabbage
- Spread 1 tablespoon of yogurt sauce onto the base of a serving plate, using the back of a spoon to create a swoosh.
- Arrange the roasted cabbage wedges on top of the sauce.
Drizzle and Garnish
- Drizzle the remaining yogurt sauce over the cabbage.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, an extra sprinkle of za’atar, and a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy kick.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Cabbage
- Keep the core intact: Cutting the cabbage with part of the core attached ensures the wedges hold their shape during roasting.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Space the wedges out on the baking sheet to allow for proper caramelization.
- Flip halfway: Turning the wedges halfway through roasting ensures they’re evenly browned on both sides.
- Adjust the heat: If your cabbage isn’t browning, increase the oven temperature slightly for the last 5–10 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
Calories | ~120 |
Protein | ~2g |
Carbohydrates | ~7g |
Fat | ~10g |
Fiber | ~2g |
Sodium | ~350mg |
Creative Variations
1. Add Cheese
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan or vegan cheese over the cabbage wedges during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a cheesy crust.
2. Spicy Kick
- Mix red chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the oil mixture for an extra layer of heat.
3. Middle Eastern Flair
- Replace za’atar with sumac and add toasted pine nuts for a Middle Eastern-inspired twist.
4. Make It a Meal
- Serve the roasted cabbage over a bed of quinoa, couscous, or rice for a more filling dish.
5. Try a Tahini Sauce
- Swap the yogurt sauce for a tahini-based dressing made with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a whole head of cabbage?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe by using a whole head of cabbage and adjusting the seasoning quantities accordingly.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
The roasted cabbage can be made ahead and reheated in the oven. However, the yogurt sauce is best made fresh for optimal flavor.
3. What is za’atar spice?
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made with thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. It adds an earthy, tangy flavor to the dish.
4. Can I use regular yogurt instead of vegan yogurt?
Absolutely! If you’re not vegan, you can use Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt for the sauce.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover roasted cabbage and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the cabbage in the oven to maintain its crisp edges.
6. Can I roast other vegetables with the cabbage?
Yes! Vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or brussels sprouts roast beautifully alongside the cabbage. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Final Thoughts: A Dish That Brings Simplicity and Flavor Together
Roasted cabbage with yogurt sauce is proof that simple ingredients can create a show-stopping dish. The caramelized cabbage, with its smoky and earthy notes, pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a light main, or a stunning addition to your holiday table, this recipe is a winner.
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and discover how delicious cabbage can be!
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Roasted Cabbage with Yogurt Sauce: A Flavorful and Healthy Side Dish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Roasted cabbage with yogurt sauce transforms a humble vegetable into a golden, caramelized delight. Paired with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce and a hint of za’atar spice, this dish is perfect as a healthy side or a light main course.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Cabbage:
- 1 medium-sized cabbage (½ head)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon za’atar spice
- 1 tablespoon chili oil (optional, for drizzle)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
For the Yogurt Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegan Greek-style yogurt (or regular Greek yogurt)
- ½ tablespoon whole grain mustard
- Juice of ½ lemon (~1 tablespoon)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage
- Cut the cabbage in half, then slice one half into six evenly sized wedges.
- Leave part of the core intact for each wedge to help them hold their shape during roasting.
- Season the Cabbage
- Place the cabbage wedges on a lined baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, and za’atar spice.
- Brush the mixture generously on both sides of each wedge.
- Roast the Cabbage
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the cabbage for 40 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway through, until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, combine yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt.
- Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste with more lemon juice or salt if needed.
- Assemble the Dish
- Spread 1 tablespoon of yogurt sauce onto the base of a serving plate and create a swoosh with the back of a spoon.
- Arrange the roasted cabbage wedges over the yogurt sauce.
- Drizzle the remaining yogurt sauce over the wedges.
- Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley, an extra sprinkle of za’atar, and a drizzle of chili oil for added flavor.
- Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.
Notes
- Core intact: Keeping the core helps the wedges hold their shape during roasting.
- Za’atar alternative: Use sumac or a mix of dried thyme and sesame seeds if za’atar is unavailable.
- Chili oil: Optional but adds a spicy kick to balance the creamy yogurt sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean