Indian Cabbage Recipe (Oven Roasted)

This Indian cabbage recipe is so easy and makes a healthy vegan side dish. Oven roasted shredded cabbage is a delightful twist of cabbage poriyal, a south Indian side. In just a few minutes you have a delicious dinner ready to serve with rice and dal.

Oven Roasted Shredded Cabbage (Indian Style)

If you have ever been to Indian restaurants, especially south Indian restaurants, you would have been invariably served a popular Indian cabbage recipe known as cabbage poriyal or cabbage thoran.

It is so delicious and goes well with rice and any type of dal - spinach dal or chana dal. Cabbage poriyal requires only few easily available ingredients, but needs stir-frying shredded cabbage with spices and aromatics. 

However, if you want to make a lot of this amazing Indian shredded cabbage recipe, I have an easy method for you. You can simply make an easier oven roasted shredded cabbage in Indian style.

In just a few minutes you have this delicious vegetable side dish that pairs so well with Indian main courses. And you don't have to baby sit it while cooking. You can also make a large batch, so you can choose this as a menu item for your Indian parties. 

Oven roasted vegetables are the best. That is why I like making so many of these Indian recipe variations. And they are healthy too!

Recipe Ingredients

Here are notes for ingredients and substitutes.

• Cabbage: Choose fresh, firm, vibrant green or purple cabbage with compact leaves. Look for medium-sized cabbage that feels heavy for its size. The outer leaves should be crisp and free from blemishes or discoloration.
• Carrots: These add color and a hint of natural sweetness to the dish, complementing the flavors of the cabbage. You can shred the carrots or simply buy pre-shredded carrots, usually placed in salad and vegetable section.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm and zesty kick to the dish.
• Green Chilies: Adds a touch of heat and flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Cumin Seeds: These aromatic seeds release a nutty flavor when roasted, enhancing the taste of the cabbage.
• Turmeric: A vibrant yellow spice that imparts earthy flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes (or Cayenne Pepper):  These will add a subtle heat. Use mild or hot pepper flakes as per your taste. 
• Peanut Oil (or Sesame Oil): Either of these will impart a nutty taste.
• Curry Leaves: Adds the authentic Indian touch.
• Fresh Grated Coconut: Adds texture and authentic taste typical for cabbage poriyal or thoran. Find it in Indian grocery stores, or grate fresh coconut. Dried coconut is not an ideal substitute, but you can try desiccated coconut or ground coconut flakes. If using dried coconut, add to cabbage before roasting.
• Cilantro: For that Indian herbal flavor.

Optional Ingredients

• Shallots (or Onions): These are used in traditional Indian cabbage recipes. Adds depth and subtle sweetness.
• Crushed Roasted Peanuts (or Sesame Seeds): Try this in place of split lentils (chana dal or urad dal, used in traditional recipes) to provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Peanuts will give a heartier texture and sesame seeds provide a delicate crunch.
• Mustard seeds: Add a mild nutty flavor and an authentic Indian taste. If you don't like adding it directly to the mixture, then toast this and cumin seeds in a teaspoon of oil and then add it.

How To Make Indian Cabbage Recipe

Here is an overview of the step-by-step process. Full recipe with measurements is at the end of blog post.

• Seasonings: Combine oil, ginger, green chilies, cumin seeds, turmeric, red pepper flakes, and salt.
• Roast Cabbage (Indian Style): Slice and prep cabbage and carrots. Add the vegetables and curry leaves to the seasoning oil. Toss well and spread on a baking sheet and roast in the oven.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh grated coconut, chopped cilantro and stir.
• Serve: Transfer to a serving dish. Optionally, top with crushed roasted peanuts (or sesame seeds). Serve hot.

Top Tips

How To Serve

• Side Dish: Serve it as a simple side dish.
• With Rice: This is best with some steamed rice. I serve it with basmati rice and dal. You could also add keema curry, chicken kofta, spicy shrimp or meat cutlets.
• With Bread: Add some parathas, whole wheat naan or try with egg paratha. Make rolls adding some cucumber raita.
• Make a Salad: Add some greens, beans or lentils and zesty dressing.

Meal Prep

Combine everything and refrigerate. Take it out about 30 minutes before roasting it. This will help ensure that the cabbage retains its texture.

Variations

This Indian roasted cabbage is vegan, low carb, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soy free and grain free.

• Add Protein: Make it more filling by adding cooked chickpeas, grilled tempeh, paneer, halloumi cheese, or tofu.
• Nut Free: Skip the peanuts. Instead try roasted pumpkin seeds.
• Other Vegetables: Modify it by adding shredded bell peppers, potatoes, green peas, green beans and such.
• Aromatics and Spices: Try adding chopped dill and green onions. Add a hint of garam masala, coriander powder or curry powder.

Is this roasted cabbage good for you?

Indian roasted cabbage offers a good blend of taste and health benefits. Cabbage is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting digestion and a healthy gut. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential cancer-fighting abilities. This dish is low in calories and high in antioxidants, supporting overall well-being.

More Indian Recipes

• Pumpkin Curry (With Chickpeas and Coconut)
• Vegetable Upma (With Cauliflower, Lower Carb)
• Mirchi Ka Salan (Hyderabadi Pepper Curry)
• Kachumber (Indian Cucumber Salad, With Many Variations)

★ DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE COMMENT AND GIVE IT A STAR RATING BELOW!

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