Crispy Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Chickpea Stew & Cilantro Tahini Sauce
Crispy roasted cabbage steaks paired with a hearty and flavorful chickpea stew and a creamy cilantro tahini sauce make a wholesome, filling, and satisfying meal.
This roasted cabbage steaks recipe transforms simple cabbage into something deeply flavorful, with caramelized edges, tender centers, and rich, comforting textures.
If you have never made cabbage steaks before, this is one simple recipe that will completely change how you see cabbage.
Let mushrooms release moisture undisturbed. They brown better and develop richer flavor.
Table of contents
About Roasted Cabbage Steaks
This roasted cabbage steaks recipe is a delicious, wholesome, and satisfying vegan meal made with crispy oven-roasted cabbage, a hearty chickpea stew, and a creamy cilantro tahini sauce.
It looks elegant like the ones you get from fancy restaurants, yet comes together with simple ingredients, with a perfect balance of textures and flavors. You get caramelized edges, soft centers, and a rich, saucy topping that turns cabbage into a complete and filling dinner.
I have been cooking with cabbage for years, but for the longest time, it was always used as a supporting side ingredient rather than the star of the plate. That actually changed when I started making roasted cabbage steaks at home.
The first time I roasted cabbage in thick slices, my family and I were honestly surprised by the transformation. The edges turned crispy and slightly charred, while the inside stayed soft and naturally sweet.
What makes this recipe special is how it turns a humble cabbage into the highlight of the meal. Instead of serving it as a side, these crispy cabbage steaks are paired with a protein-rich chickpea stew and finished with a flavorful tahini sauce with a cilantro tweak, which makes it a well-rounded and nourishing dish.
Over time, I started making this into a complete meal. The spinach chickpea stew adds heartiness, while the cilantro tahini sauce brings everything together with a creamy, tangy finish and a lovely green contrast.
Today, this is one of those recipes I come back to when I want something really quick, easy, comforting, and made with everyday ingredients, yet still full of flavor.
If you enjoy cabbage or like trying simple meals with a twist, this one is definitely worth making.
Why You’ll Love the Recipe
This Cabbage Steaks
✔️ are easy to make roasted cabbage steaks
✔️ are made using simple ingredients
✔️ are a perfect balance of crispy and creamy
✔️ are naturally vegan & plant-based
✔️ turn cabbage into a fulfilling main dish
✔️ are budget-friendly and nourishing
✔️ are great for meal prep
✔️ are packed with warm spices
✔️ are loaded with fresh flavors
✔️ can easily be customized
✔️ can also use different add-ins
Ingredients
- Cabbage: It is the main ingredient. I used a firm green cabbage in this recipe, but you can also use purple cabbage; they work perfectly fine. Try to cut thick slices as they hold their shape and make the best roasted cabbage steaks with crispy edges.
- Olive Oil: It is used for roasting cabbage, making seasoned oil, and also for cooking chickpea stew. It really helps caramelize the cabbage and adds richness.
- Spices: This whole recipe uses a combination of basic spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, ground black pepper, and salt to taste. These simple spices add depth and enhance the natural flavor of cabbage and chickpeas and bring warmth and depth.
- Chickpeas: You can use canned chickpeas or cooked chickpeas in this recipe. It makes the dish hearty and protein-rich.
- Onion & Garlic: They make the base flavor of the chickpea stew, and garlic adds so much flavor to the cilantro tahini dressing.
- Tomato Puree: It adds tanginess and body to the chickpea stew.
- Spinach: It is an optional ingredient that adds freshness and nutrition. I used frozen spinach in this recipe, but you can also swap it with kale or fresh spinach. Lemon Juice: You will need fresh lemon juice to balance and brighten the cilantro tahini and chickpea stew.
- Tahini: It is used to create a creamy, nutty sauce. I used dark homemade tahini made using hulled sesame seeds, but you can also use light sesame seeds in this recipe if you care about lighter looks of this tahini.
- Cilantro: I added fresh cilantro to the tahini sauce for freshness and flavor. If you wish, you can also swap fresh cilantro with mint or basil leaves.
- Maple Syrup: A little sweetness from maple syrup balances richness and tanginess in the tahini sauce.
How to Make Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roast the Cabbage Steaks
Preheat the oven and place a tray with olive oil inside to heat. This simple step helps in making crispy roasted cabbage steaks right from the start. Slice the cabbage into thick steaks and coat with seasoned oil. Place them on the hot tray and roast until they are golden and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Make the Chickpea Stew
Simply cook the onions until soft, then add chopped garlic and spices and sauté. Stir in tomato puree and cook for 2–3 minutes before adding chickpeas and water or vegetable broth. Also add spinach, and simmer until the chickpeas are slightly thickened. Then lightly mash some chickpeas to create a richer texture. Finish with spinach, lemon juice, and cilantro.
Make the Cilantro Tahini Sauce
Making cilantro tahini sauce is easy. Simply blend tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and ice-cold water. Add cold water gradually until smooth and pourable.
Assemble
To assemble, place the cabbage steaks on a plate, then spoon the hot chickpea stew over the top, and drizzle with cilantro tahini sauce. Serve immediately.
Variations
Other veggies
Love adding vegetables to your stews, then add roasted sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or carrots to the stew.
Other Greens
You can use other greens like fresh kale instead of spinach.
Hotter stew
To make a spicier version of chickpea stew, add chili flakes or chopped chilies for added heat.
Other herbs
You can replace fresh cilantro with parsley or mint leaves.
Grains
For a fuller meal, you can add cooked quinoa or rice.
Serving Suggestions
Cabbage steaks with chickpea stew can be enjoyed as a complete vegan dinner as it is filling in itself.
Or you can pair it with any flatbread, naan or pita bread. You can also serve the cabbage steaks over rice or quinoa.
Or enjoy it as a fresh salad on the side.
Storage Suggestions
This stays well for up to 3 days when stored in a refrigerator. Just make sure to store all the components separately for best texture. When you want to serve, simply reheat the cabbage in the oven for crispiness, and reheat the stew on the stovetop; feel free to adjust the water if it has thickened up after storing. Also, adjust the tahini sauce with water if needed before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Roasted Cabbage Steaks
-
Cabbage: For best roasting, use a dense, fresh cabbage and slice it thick so the cabbage steaks hold their shape while roasting. Also, keep the root intact.
-
Hot Tray: Always place cabbage on a preheated tray to ensure that you get crispy cabbage steaks instead of soft or steamed ones.
-
Spacing: When roasting, leave some space between each cabbage steak so they roast evenly and develop crispy and caramelized edges.
-
Oil: Coat both sides evenly with seasoned oil to promote even browning, prevent dryness, and also keep them flavorful, as cabbage is generally bland in taste.
-
Roasting: Roast until deeply golden. Color adds flavor when making roasted cabbage steaks.
-
Chickpeas: For best texture, lightly mash some chickpeas; it will naturally thicken the stew and will make a better texture.
-
Spices: Always cook spices in oil to release their aroma and to deepen the flavor of the chickpea stew.
-
Tahini: Use cold water when blending to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
-
Lemon Juice: Make sure to finish with fresh lemon juice to elevate and brighten all the flavors.
-
Serving: Add sauce and stew just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the cabbage steaks.
FAQs
How do you cut cabbage into steaks?
It is very simple. Just slice the cabbage into thick rounds, about 2–3 cm thick. Keep the core intact so the steaks hold together.
How do you make cabbage steaks crispy?
Use a hot baking tray with oil, and also avoid overcrowding. These steps are key for crispy roasted cabbage steaks.
Can I make this roasted cabbage steaks recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all elements ahead and reheat them just before serving.
Are cabbage steaks healthy?
Yes, cabbage steaks are healthy as they are low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in nutrients.
Can I air fry cabbage steaks?
Yes, air frying works well for this recipe. It gives a crispy texture similar to oven roasting, so feel free to air fry your cabbage steaks.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks With Chickpea Stew (Step-by-step photo instructions)
Roast the Cabbage
- Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Place a baking tray with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the oven to heat.
- Slice the cabbage into thick steaks.
- In a bowl, add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well.
- Place the cabbage steaks on the hot baking tray and brush both sides with the seasoned oil.
- Roast for 20 minutes, then flip and roast for another 10–15 minutes until golden and caramelized.
Make the Chickpea Stew
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add sliced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft.
- Stir in smoked paprika, cumin powder, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few seconds.
- Add tomato puree and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and water, and mix well.
- Add spinach if using.
- Cover the pan and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Lightly mash some of the chickpeas, then cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Finish with lemon juice and chopped cilantro.
Make the Cilantro Tahini Sauce
- In a blender, add tahini, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Add ice-cold water gradually and blend until smooth and pourable.
Assemble Crispy Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Chickpea Stew & Cilantro Tahini
- Place a cabbage steak on a plate. Spoon the chickpea stew over the top.
- Drizzle cilantro tahini sauce, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.
Recipe Card
Roasted Cabbage Steaks With Chickpea Stew [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 6 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 40 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Main | International | 3 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 320 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
Cabbage Steaks
- 1 medium cabbage, sliced into thick steaks
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Chickpea Stew
- 400 g canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 5–6 frozen spinach cubes or a handful of fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Cilantro Tahini Sauce
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves
- A handful of cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3–4 tablespoons ice-cold water (to adjust consistency)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Roast the Cabbage
- Preheat the oven to 220°C / 425°F. Place a baking tray with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the oven to heat.
- Slice the cabbage into thick steaks.
- In a bowl, add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well.
- Place the cabbage steaks on the hot baking tray and brush both sides with the seasoned oil.
- Roast for 20 minutes, then flip and roast for another 10–15 minutes until golden and caramelized.
Make the Chickpea Stew
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add sliced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until soft.
- Stir in smoked paprika, cumin powder, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few seconds.
- Add tomato puree and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and water, and mix well.
- Add spinach if using.
- Cover the pan and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Lightly mash some of the chickpeas, then cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Finish with lemon juice and chopped cilantro.
Make the Cilantro Tahini Sauce
- In a blender, add tahini, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Add ice-cold water gradually and blend until smooth and pourable.
Assemble Crispy Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Chickpea Stew & Cilantro Tahini
- Place a cabbage steak on a plate. Spoon the chickpea stew over the top.
- Drizzle cilantro tahini sauce, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.
Watch Full Recipe Video:
NOTES:
- Use a hot tray for crispier cabbage.
- Add tahini sauce just before serving to keep the texture fresh.
- Store components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat cabbage in the oven or pan for best texture.
- Reheat stew on the stovetop.
If this recipe helped you, then please spread the word by sharing and subscribing to us on YouTube to get more such Recipe Videos.
Your feedback is so helpful for me and other My Ginger Garlic Kitchen readers. So, for Facebook and Instagram, please mention @MyGingerGarlicKitchen or #mygingergarlickitchen. I would love to see your photos. :)
Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/roasted-cabbage-steaks/
Questions or comments about this recipe: