Braised Cabbage With Potatoes Chili (Print Version)

Tender, buttery cabbage and soft potatoes with gentle chili warmth—perfect for cozy, comforting meals.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and sliced
02 - 1 lb Yukon Gold or waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch chunks
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Flavorings

05 - 1–2 fresh red chilies, deseeded and finely sliced, or 1 tsp chili flakes
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika, optional
07 - 1 bay leaf
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Liquids & Fats

09 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1 2/3 cups vegetable broth

→ Garnish

12 - Chopped fresh parsley, optional
13 - Lemon wedges, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and the mixture shimmers.
02 - Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and sliced chili, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add the potato chunks and cook while stirring for 3 minutes to lightly coat with the fat.
05 - Add the sliced cabbage, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper, then toss to combine.
06 - Pour in the vegetable broth, stir well, and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes and cabbage are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
08 - Taste the braise and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili heat as needed.
09 - Remove the bay leaf. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It transforms humble cabbage into something tender and deeply flavorful without any fuss.
  • The gentle chili warmth sneaks up on you in the most comforting way, never overpowering.
  • Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is blissfully easy.
  • It tastes even better the next day, which makes it perfect for meal prep or lazy lunches.
02 -
  • Don't rush the onions at the beginning, that gentle cooking time builds a sweet foundation that matters more than you'd think.
  • Stir the pot every so often during braising so the cabbage on top gets a chance to sink down into the broth and cook evenly.
  • If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash more broth or water, you want it to stay moist and saucy.
03 -
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
  • Don't skip the lemon wedge at the end, that little bit of brightness cuts through the richness and makes every bite feel balanced.
  • If you want a vegan version, swap the butter for plant-based margarine and the dish loses nothing in flavor or comfort.
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