We're all entering a new world with many constraints not only on our budgets but also in other spheres of our lives.
The "Simple Vegan Cooking on a Budget Month !" by @ecoTrain certainly is very timely, as there have been calls from more and more health professionals that we reduce our meat consumption for planetary and human health.
I will be looking at one of the most versatile and budget-friendly vegetables, the humble Cabbage.
During a hard lockdown when we were forced to close our bnb, I quickly learned how to budget and diversify.
Cabbages came in real handy and I had a load of fun in the kitchen, challenging myself to make do with what was on hand!
I was really upset that we had still not started that Cabbage Patch as these are one of the easiest vegetables to grow, but we have a monkey problem and never got around to monkey-proof the vegetable garden.
However, man has encroached on their natural habitat, so of course they now come foraging for food in our gardens!
With no Cabbage Patch at home, we had to make do with a Cabbage from our green grocer, but it's still loaded with nutrients and the added bonus of being super cheap!
I will be sharing how to make the most delicious Cabbage Koftas plus give you some ideas for a couple of economical meals using Cabbage.
Cabbage Kofta is a fried dumpling made with finely grated Cabbage, Onion, Ginger, Green Chillies, Chili Powder plus Pea-Flour to bind it all together, and served as a snack or as a curry on a bed of spicy gravy.
In this instance I made a Tomato Chutney with:
- Tomato, Onion, Ginger, Garlic, Green Chili, Turmeric, Garam Masala & Coriander powder.
I will tell you the story of when I first tasted these delicious little bites that can be served as a party snack or as a meal.
My best friend who happens to be young enough to be my daughter, the lovely Jashiela, is a Gujarati gal and whenever she visits, her arms are always loaded with containers filled with all kinds of delicious spicy Indian Vegan delicacies.
SO, for one of my milestone birthday parties she brought two massive platters that included loads of Cabbage Koftas which everyone loved and kept on asking for more Fish Balls! Of course they were shocked that they had been eating Cabbage Balls!
Jashiela's Mom had made them and I must say hers looked like proper little balls; mine look more like fritters, but still tasted absolutely delicious!
Basic Cabbage Kofta Recipe
Mix the following together:
- 2-3 cups finely grated Cabbage squeeze out liquid, reserving it for the sauce
- 1 grated Onion
- 1 piece grated Ginger
- 2 finely diced Green Chillies
Much easier doing this in food processor.
Add: - 1 tsp Chili Powder
- Salt
- Approx 1 cup pea Flour
Form into balls and shallow fry in oil on both sides.
Drain on paper towel.
Spicy Turmeric loaded Tomato Chutney
Sautee in a little oil:
- 1-2 grated Onions
- 2 cloves Garlic
Add & cook on low heat till soft and mushy:
- 2-3 grated Tomatoes
- 1 Piece grated Ginger
- 1-2 chopped Green Chillies
- Spices: 1 tsp Turmeric, 1/2tsp Garam Masala & 1 tsp Coriander powder
- Salt
Serve as a snack or with Basmati Rice or Roti (Indian flatbread)
Stir-fried Cabbage, delicious served with Basmati Rice.
Cabbage Dolmades stuffed with Lentils, Couscous & Onion and baked in a colourful Ratatouille.
Mixed Fresh Vegetable Curry served with Roti.
Sauerkraut and Coleslaw are also great additions to the Cabbage Patch menu, and I'm sure you can tell us about budget Cabbage dishes from your part of the world as well.
I really hopped onto the ecoTrain's "Simple Vegan Cooking On A Budget Month!" at the very last minute, but thankfully made it just before the door closes, and hope that you try making these Cabbage Koftas as they are simply delicious!
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