Gujarat-Style Spiced Cabbage Stir-Fry
Discover the vibrant flavors of Gujarat with this delightful Indian Spiced Cabbage (Kobi Nu Shaak) recipe. This dish beautifully balances the sturdy texture of green cabbage with the aromatic spices of mustard and cumin, delivering a hearty yet healthy option that's perfect for any meal. Adapted from an original recipe in Saveur magazine, this dish features the unique taste of black or brown mustard seeds, which contribute a robust flavor profile distinct from the conventional yellow mustard seeds. Fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and a hint of sweetness from sugar bring the dish together, making it a perfect side or a light vegetarian main course. Serve this colorful stir-fry with warm naan or over steamed rice for a wholesome feast.
6
Servings
20
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
green cabbage
1 (cored and shredded)
kosher salt
to taste
peanut oil
2 tablespoons
black or brown mustard seeds
2 teaspoons (not yellow mustard seeds)
cumin seeds
2 teaspoons
bay leaves
2
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
ground turmeric
2 teaspoons
plum tomatoes
3 (chopped)
anaheim chilies
2-3 (seeded and thinly sliced crosswise)
fresh cilantro
5 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh lime juice
1/4 cup
sugar
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage with kosher salt. Let it sit for about 1 hour to wilt, which will draw out excess moisture. After one hour, squeeze any remaining liquid from the cabbage and set it aside.
2
In a 12-inch skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the black or brown mustard seeds along with the cumin seeds and bay leaves. Cook while stirring for about 2 minutes until the seeds start to crackle and release their fragrant aroma.
3
Add the reserved wilted cabbage along with garlic powder, turmeric, chopped tomatoes, and sliced Anaheim chilies to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine.
4
Cook the mixture for about 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender yet still crisp.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, and sugar. Adjust seasoning with additional salt to taste.
6
Return the skillet to low heat, allowing the flavors to meld for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
0.38g
Protein
0.75g
Fiber
0.88g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gujarat-Style Spiced Cabbage Stir-Fry?
It is a traditional Indian dish known as Kobi Nu Shaak, featuring shredded cabbage stir-fried with mustard seeds, cumin, and aromatic spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this dish?
The main ingredients include green cabbage, peanut oil, black or brown mustard seeds, cumin seeds, plum tomatoes, and Anaheim chilies.
Why is the cabbage salted before cooking?
The cabbage is salted and left to sit for one hour to wilt and draw out excess moisture, which ensures the final dish has a better texture.
Can I use yellow mustard seeds instead of black or brown ones?
The recipe recommends black or brown mustard seeds because they provide a robust flavor profile that is distinct from conventional yellow seeds.
What type of oil should be used for this stir-fry?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of peanut oil for cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this dish is vegan-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients and oil.
Is Gujarat-Style Spiced Cabbage Stir-Fry gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 20 calories.
What gives the dish its vibrant yellow color?
The addition of 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric provides the dish with its characteristic yellow hue.
What kind of chilies are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2-3 Anaheim chilies, which should be seeded and thinly sliced.
How long should the cabbage cook in the skillet?
The cabbage mixture should be cooked for about 6-7 minutes until it is tender yet still crisp.
What provides the acidity in this dish?
Fresh lime juice (1/4 cup) is added at the end of cooking to provide brightness and acidity.
When do you add the fresh cilantro?
Chopped fresh cilantro is gently folded into the dish after removing the skillet from the heat.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of sugar are added to balance the spices and acidity.
What is the source of this recipe adaptation?
The dish was adapted from an original recipe published in Saveur magazine.
What are the suggested side dishes for this cabbage stir-fry?
It is recommended to serve this dish with warm naan or over steamed rice.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 1g of fat.
How much protein does a serving of this dish contain?
One serving provides about 0.38g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 2.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 0.75g of fiber.
How much sugar is in a single serving?
Each serving contains 0.88g of sugar.
What spices are used for the initial tempering?
The initial tempering uses black or brown mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and bay leaves.
How do you know when the seeds are ready during cooking?
The seeds are ready when they start to crackle and release their fragrant aroma, usually after 2 minutes.
What type of tomatoes should be used?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 plum tomatoes, chopped.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total.
What is the final step in the cooking process?
The final step is returning the skillet to low heat for 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Should the bay leaves be eaten?
While the recipe doesn't specify removal, bay leaves are typically used for flavor and removed before serving as they remain tough.
Is fresh garlic used in this recipe?
No, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
What consistency should the cabbage have when finished?
The cabbage should be tender but still retain a crisp texture.