Cabbage can sometimes get a bad rap. That’s mostly because when it’s overcooked, it can give off an unpleasant sulfurous smell. However, when cooked correctly, like in some of our favorite Smart Cooker recipes, this veggie can add rich variety to your meals. You can shred some in a colorful slaw for a crisp topping on our Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich, or add it on your salads! The cabbage is a member of the Brassica family, cousins of broccoli and cauliflower, and is sweet, mild, and downright delicious. It’s also the star of many St. Patrick’s Day dinners.

There are many varieties of cabbage, ranging from the palest green to a deep purple-y red. The varieties you’ll find at most supermarkets include compact red and green cabbage, frilly Savoy cabbage, and the less dense and elongated Napa cabbage.

Cabbage is in season during the winter, and if stored properly, it can last up to two months in the fridge. You won’t have to worry about buying a whole head, even if you need just a little for a recipe. Cabbage also takes well to a variety of cooking methods, including sautéing, steaming, and roasting.

This veggie is surprisingly packed with vitamin C and can be a healthy addition to your weeknight meal rotation. It shows up in a number of recipes on the CHEF iQ App: as a slaw, in a filling for dumplings, braised with kielbasa, and even transformed into easy-to-make sauerkraut. So, go ahead and cook up some cabbage!

Red Cabbage & Kielbasa

Sauerkraut

Steamed Pork Dumplings with Dipping Sauce

Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich