### Charred Salt and Vinegar Cabbage: A Tasty Recipe for Winter Vegetables
As winter gives way to spring, many of us may discover a forgotten cabbage in the refrigerator, waiting for some culinary creativity. This recipe for Charred Salt and Vinegar Cabbage serves as an excellent method to make use of that cabbage, turning it into a delicious dish that highlights the final offerings of robust winter vegetables.
#### The Origin of the Recipe
This dish was inspired by the familiar flavor of salt-and-vinegar potato chips. At first, the recipe featured thick slices of potato steeped in vinegar and salt. However, an unplanned inclusion of cabbage resulted in an astonishing culinary discovery: the cabbage completely outperformed the potatoes, emerging as the highlight of the meal. This recipe is not merely about cooking cabbage; it’s about acknowledging its capacity to shine as a key ingredient.
#### Why Choose Cabbage?
Cabbage is frequently undervalued, yet it is an affordable and adaptable vegetable. It withstands various cooking techniques and readily absorbs flavors. This recipe showcases its ability to caramelize and achieve a deep, savory profile when roasted with vinegar and garlic.
#### Ingredients
For Charred Salt and Vinegar Cabbage, you will require:
– 2 pounds (905 grams, or about 1 medium) green cabbage, halved, cored, and cut into 1-to-2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons (25 grams) olive oil
– 1 teaspoon (3 grams) kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
– 4 garlic cloves, gently smashed
– 1/3 cup (80 grams) vegetable broth
– 1/3 cup (80 grams) white vinegar
– Sea salt, for finishing
#### Cooking Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. **Prepare the Cabbage**: On a rimmed 9-by-13-inch baking tray, mix the cabbage with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring the pieces stay whole. Top with butter.
3. **First Roast**: Roast the cabbage for 15 minutes, until some parts are blackened.
4. **Add Garlic**: Using a spatula, flip the cabbage over and distribute the smashed garlic cloves in the tray.
5. **Second Roast**: Place the tray back in the oven and roast for another 15 minutes, until the cabbage looks charred.
6. **Add Liquids**: Carefully pour the vegetable broth and vinegar into the tray, then place it back in the oven for a final 15 minutes. The garlic should be soft, and the liquids will reduce to a light puddle.
7. **Finish and Serve**: Before serving, sprinkle with sea salt. Be ready to enjoy the crispy bits directly from the tray!
#### Conclusion
Charred Salt and Vinegar Cabbage is a robust and tasty dish that transforms our perception of cabbage. With its charred edges and zesty vinegar flavors, this recipe is a delightful way to embrace winter vegetables as we move into spring. Whether you’re a fan of cabbage or a doubter, this dish is bound to impress and might just become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.