Jerk Cabbage ~ Vegan

Jerk Cabbage ~ Vegan
vegan ~ dairy-free ~ gluten-free ~ soy-free

Servings: 10-15
Total Time: 50 minutes, includes prep time
Difficulty: Easy
Author/Credit: Jessica Williams/Vegan Rescue

Jerk Cabbage ~ Vegan

Flavors

This recipe has Caribbean flavors all throughout. I infused Puerto Rican with the Jamaican flavors of jerk seasonings. The Puerto Rican flavors include the Sofrito. Sofrito has Garlic, Green Peppers, and Cilantro. The flavors from the Jerk Seasoning includes Thyme, Turmeric, Ginger, Allspice, and peppers. This Jerk Cabbage came out perfectly seasoned and balanced. I typically have Sofrito in the refrigerator, which is why I used it for this recipe. Traditional Jamaican Cabbage includes carrots and green bell peppers. However, Seth (my husband) has such an aversion to cooked green peppers. They are at the top of his most hated food list, lol.

Due to his disdain for cooked green peppers, I’ve had to get crafty in the past. For example, I’ve made stuffed tomatoes rather than stuffed green peppers. Check out my recipe for “Stuffed Tomatoes” – found here. So, since us (Puerto Ricans) traditionally use Sofrito in so many recipes. Practically everything. I included this instead for the added flavor of the green peppers needed in this Jamaican style cabbage recipe. For the Sofrito, certainly, you can make your own or purchase it store-bought. However, for this recipe you can also opt for a more traditional Jamaican style cabbage. If so, add sliced green peppers, if you prefer.

Seasonings

For this recipe, I used a Jerk Seasoning mix. This jerk seasoning has Onion, Allspice, Thyme, Cayenne Pepper, Turmeric, Sea Salt, Garlic, and Ginger. In truth, I typically enjoy shredded cabbage but opted to chop the cabbage in this recipe. Of course, this is all according to your preference, along with the heat level. Please adjust the level of heat and spices accordingly. Also, I did not have Scotch Bonnet peppers which are used in more traditional Jamaican Cabbage. So, I used Crushed Red Pepper Flakes along with the Cayenne Pepper that was already included in the seasoning mix. Alternatively, you can cut this recipe in half. I made two heads of cabbage, which we were able to enjoy as a side for a few days. I hope you try this Jerk Cabbage recipe, lots of spices, love, and super flavorful. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 Heads of Cabbage, cored/chopped
2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Garlic, minced
2 Tbsp Sofrito (or 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped)
1/2 Spanish Onion, chopped
3 Carrots, shredded
1 Tbsp Sugar (I used Raw Cane Sugar)
1 Tbsp White Vinegar
2-3 Tbsp Jerk Seasoning
1 Tbsp Kosher Salt, divided
1/4 – 1/2 Tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to preferred heat level)
1 Tsp Smoked Paprika

Directions:

-Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, remove the core and chop or shred.

-Shred the carrots, I used the large holes of a box grater.

-Note: To save time you can use store-bought shredded cabbage/carrot blend like coleslaw. However, you would have to adjust down the seasoning levels.

-In a large pan with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. To this, add the onions, garlic, sofrito, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about five minutes, stirring occasionally.

-Next, add the carrots and begin layering in the cabbage – add the salt as you layer in the cabbage. This will cook for about 25 minutes.

-Note: Since I used two heads of cabbage, I did not add all the cabbage at once. Incorporate a few handfuls of cabbage or half of a head at a time. As each portion of the cabbage softens and breaks down, continue adding until all the cabbage has been added. Again, this will take about 20-25 minutes until all the cabbage has been incorporated. -After all the cabbage has been added, add the remaining seasonings (smoked paprika, jerk seasoning), vinegar, and sugar.

-Finally, reduce heat to medium low, cover, and cook for an additional 20 minutes stirring occasionally.

-Enjoy!

I served the cabbage with black-eyed peas and rice.

*Note: check out @Veganrescue on Instagram for a video/reel of this recipe.