Pan-Fried Cabbage with Smoked Paprika

It's hard to imagine a more humble vegetable than cabbage, yet when cooked properly, there's very little that offers a more satisfying crunch. Here we give cabbage its due, with a simple pan-fried dish that brings out its hearty flavor.

In the annals of culinary history, cabbage has long been relegated to the sidelines, often overshadowed by its more glamorous cousins like broccoli and cauliflower. But for those in the know, cabbage is a culinary treasure, offering a hearty crunch and a subtle sweetness that can elevate even the simplest dishes. One of our favorite ways to prepare cabbage is with this simple pan-fried recipe, which brings out its natural flavor with just a few simple ingredients.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 head of green cabbage, chopped
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the cabbage, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is softened, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• **The key to great pan-fried cabbage is to cook it until it's softened, but still retains a bit of its crunch.** This gives the cabbage a satisfying texture that stands up to the other ingredients in the dish.
• **Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness to the cabbage, which complements its earthy flavor.** You can use regular paprika if you don't have smoked paprika, but the smoked paprika will give the dish a more complex flavor.
• **A little bit of salt and pepper helps to enhance the flavor of the cabbage without overpowering it.** Don't be afraid to season the cabbage to taste, as it can handle a fair amount of seasoning.