Crispy Cabbage with Creamy Bean Sauce

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both wholesome and exciting, this crispy cabbage with creamy bean sauce might just be your new favourite.

Imagine golden-brown wedges of cabbage with a hint of char, nestled atop a velvety butter bean sauce, and topped with a bold, crispy chilli dressing.

This dish is packed with texture and flavour and has a perfect balance of earthy, spicy, and creamy elements.

Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, this recipe offers a unique twist on familiar ingredients, all while being straightforward to make.

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Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Crispy Cabbage with Creamy Bean Sauce Recipe

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this Crispy Cabbage with Creamy Bean Sauce recipe:

For the cabbage:

• 1 sweetheart cabbage
• Olive oil
• Salt

For the creamy bean sauce:

• 1 tin of butter beans
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Splash of water

For the crispy chilli dressing:

• 3 tbsp chilli oil
• 1 tsp pine nuts
• 1 tsp flax seeds
• 1 tsp flaked almonds
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp chopped dill

Optional layer:

• Cooked quinoa

A Symphony of Textures

One of the best things about this dish is the variety of textures it brings to the table.

The cabbage, fried to golden perfection and roasted until tender, offers a satisfying crunch with every bite.

The creamy butter bean sauce contrasts beautifully, adding a silky smooth element that binds the dish together.

Topping it all off is the crispy chilli dressing, which introduces a delightful crunch and a fiery kick.

Nutrient-Packed and Plant-Based

This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s brimming with nutrients.

Cabbage is rich in vitamin C and fibre, butter beans provide a great source of plant-based protein, and the seeds in the chilli dressing add healthy fats and omega-3s.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply trying to eat more plant-based meals, this dish ticks all the boxes.

Customise to Your Heart’s Content

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to tweak recipes to suit your tastes, and this one is no exception.

Swap the sweetheart cabbage for savoy or napa cabbage if that’s what you have on hand.

Want to boost the protein? Add a sprinkle of cooked lentils alongside the quinoa.

Prefer less heat? Replace the chilli oil with olive oil infused with garlic or herbs.

How to Make This Crispy Cabbage with Creamy Bean Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cabbage

Start by quartering your sweetheart cabbage.

Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a hot pan, and fry each cabbage wedge on both sides until they develop a golden-brown crust.

This initial sear is where a lot of the flavour comes from, so don’t rush it.

Sprinkle the cabbage with a pinch of salt before transferring it to the oven.

Roast the wedges at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes or until tender.

Step 2: Making the Creamy Bean Sauce

While the cabbage roasts, prepare the bean sauce.

Add a tin of drained butter beans to a blender along with 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon of tahini, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

To get the consistency just right, add a splash of water—start small and blend, adding more as needed until smooth.

The result should be a rich, creamy sauce with a slightly nutty, umami flavour.

Step 3: Crafting the Crispy Chilli Dressing

For the dressing, combine 3 tablespoons of chilli oil with 1 teaspoon each of pine nuts, flax seeds, flaked almonds, chia seeds, and freshly chopped dill.

Stir the mixture together, ensuring the seeds are well coated with the spicy oil.

This dressing will add both heat and crunch, taking the dish to the next level.

Step 4: Assembling Your Plate

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together!

Start with a generous smear of the creamy bean sauce on the base of your plate.

Next, add a layer of cooked quinoa for added texture and sustenance.

Arrange the roasted cabbage wedges on top, then drizzle everything with the crispy chilli dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Absolutely! Savoy cabbage or napa cabbage would work wonderfully in this recipe.

Just adjust the roasting time slightly, as different types of cabbage may cook faster or slower.

Is there a substitute for nutritional yeast?

If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can use a small amount of grated vegan parmesan or a touch of miso paste to add a savoury depth to the sauce.

Is it spicy?

The chilli dressing adds a bit of heat, but it’s balanced by the creamy sauce and mild cabbage.

If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of chilli oil or substitute it with garlic-infused olive oil.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

For an oil-free version, skip the frying step for the cabbage and roast it directly in the oven.

Use water or vegetable broth in the bean sauce instead of tahini, and omit the chilli oil, opting for a sprinkle of seeds and fresh dill as a topping.

And that’s it for this Crispy Cabbage with Creamy Bean Sauce recipe. You can find the whole thing on a handy recipe card just below, so be sure to Pin it for later!

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