Why baked sweetheart cabbage is so popular
This recipe for Baked Sweetheart Cabbage is a great way to enjoy a healthy vegetable with very little preparation. The high heat of the oven softens the leaves while keeping the core tender. It is a budget-friendly option that works for both lunch and dinner. You can easily adjust the seasoning to match your main meal.
A step-by-step guide to baked sweetheart cabbage
Prepare the cabbage: Preheat your oven to 200C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Cut the sweetheart cabbage into four long wedges through the core. Keep the core intact so the leaves stay together during baking. Rinse the wedges under cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Make the dressing: Mix the olive oil, crushed garlic, salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Lay the cabbage wedges on the prepared baking tray with the cut side facing up. Use a pastry brush to coat the surface of each wedge evenly with the oil mixture.
Bake in the oven: Place the tray in the middle of the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. The edges of the leaves should start to turn golden brown and become slightly crispy. Check the tenderness by inserting a knife into the thickest part of the core.
Finish and serve: Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the hot wedges. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese has melted and turned light brown. Serve the Baked Sweetheart Cabbage immediately while it is hot and fragrant.
Extra tips for baked sweetheart cabbage
Make sure to leave the core attached when slicing the cabbage so the layers do not fall apart in the oven. You can swap the parmesan for a squeeze of lemon juice if you prefer a vegan version. If the leaves are browning too quickly, you can cover the tray loosely with foil for the last few minutes. Try adding a pinch of chilli flakes to the oil for a bit of extra heat.
Using a high quality olive oil will significantly improve the final taste of your Baked Sweetheart Cabbage. Always ensure the cabbage is dry before adding the oil to help it roast rather than steam. You can also add some fresh breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch during the final baking stage.
You might also enjoy
grilled sweetheart cabbage,
vegetarian stuffed aubergine or
carrot soup.