Curried Cabbage Steaks

Looking for a tasty way to get your brassica vegetables? This Curried Cauliflower Steak recipe can be prepared on the stove, in the oven, or even on the grill.

What even are brassica vegetables?

A brassica (BRA-sih-kuh) is a member of the family of vegetables that includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and turnips (also called cruciferous vegetables).

Your mom was right when she told you to eat your broccoli! Brassicas contain vitamins C, A, E, K, folate, calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus. In addition to being a great source of dietary fiber, they have something that no other fruits or vegetables contain—glucosinolates. 

Glucosinolates are naturally occurring bioactive sulfur-rich compounds and are the main components responsible for the health benefits of brassicas. Recent research has demonstrated the health benefits, including protecting us against some common cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

Brassica Vegetables and Thyroid Function

Cabbage is a member of the brassica family, and brassica vegetables have a reputation for being goitrogenic, meaning they can inhibit thyroid function. But please note that the goitrogenic effect pertains to chemicals found in raw cabbage, which become deactivated during the cooking process!

The Dynamics of Digestion

Digestion should always be a top consideration in the role of wellness. Of course, healthy foods are favorable to unhealthy foods. Still, if not digested well, even good foods can have harmful effects.

The quality of digestion affects bodily waste/toxin removal, tissue production, and its subsequent subtle essence known as ojas—mood, energy, intuition, strength, perception, and discernment.

While cabbage has a lot of outstanding characteristics, it is a prime example of a food that is difficult to digest. Therefore, it is best eaten by cooking it well and making use of spices and oils.

As always, favor seasonal eating whenever possible. Cabbage is in season in spring, summer, and into the fall. Get your seasonal food guide here.

Kudos for Cabbage

The plant profile for cabbage is quite impressive.

Nutrient Density

• Vitamin C
• Soluble fiber
• Vitamin K
• Potassium

Effects on Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

Cabbage pacifies pitta and kapha and may aggravate vata unless cooked well.

Actions

• Alkalizing
• Relaxing
• Anti-inflammatory
• High in fiber—promotes healthy bowel movements
• Antioxidant

RECIPE: CURRIED CABBAGE STEAKS

Curry spice mix is a sure way to support the strength of your digestion and cajole the otherwise contumacious cabbage!

INGREDIENTS

You can find curry spice mix at the store or make your own mixture; it’s easy!

Curry Spice Mix

5 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground fenugreek
1 large bay leaf, ground
1 tsp ground mustard seeds
1 tsp ground clove
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground ginger

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well; transfer to a spice jar.

1 head of cabbage sliced into 1/2–3/4 inch ‘steak’ slices
Ghee or other high heat tolerant oil of your choice
Pink salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
2. Place cabbage steaks into a baking dish that has been lightly oiled with ghee.
3. Slather ghee evenly over each steak.
4. Sprinkle on a generous amount of spice mix.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until very tender.

GIVE THANKS AND ENJOY!