Jamaican-style cabbage is a colorful and flavorful dish that brings a vibrant Caribbean twist to a simple vegetable. Bursting with spices, peppers, and aromatics, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s an excellent side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a larger Caribbean-inspired meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish adds both flavor and a pop of color to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1 jalapeño or habanero, finely diced (adjust for desired spice level)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by shredding the cabbage, dicing the sweet onion and red bell pepper, and chopping the green onions. Mince the garlic and finely dice the jalapeño or habanero. Set all the vegetables aside.
- Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter melts and starts to bubble.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced sweet onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the red bell pepper, shredded carrot, jalapeño or habanero, and green onions to the skillet. Stir everything together and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and toss to combine it with the vegetables. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt but still retains a slight crunch.
- Season the Cabbage: Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, onion powder, and paprika over the cabbage mixture. Add the fresh thyme sprigs and toss everything together until evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Simmer with Water and Vinegar: Pour the water and white vinegar into the skillet. Add the granulated sugar and stir everything to combine. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Allow the cabbage to simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy. If needed, add a little more water to prevent sticking.
- Final Adjustments: Once the cabbage is tender, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove the thyme sprigs before serving.
- Serve: Serve the Jamaican cabbage warm as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, jerk pork, or fish. It also pairs wonderfully with rice and peas or other Caribbean favorites.
Conclusion
This Jamaican-style cabbage dish is a perfect representation of the bold, vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. The combination of tender cabbage, spicy peppers, and fragrant herbs and spices creates a satisfying and mouthwatering side dish that complements any meal. The hint of sweetness from the sugar and the tanginess of the vinegar balance out the heat, making it a dish everyone will enjoy. It’s simple to prepare and brings a taste of the islands right to your kitchen. Enjoy this flavor-packed, nutritious dish that will quickly become a favorite!