One of the best things that you can do to improve your culinary prowess is to go to the grocery store (or farmers market) and buy produce that you’ve never tried before. Then, give it a go or try it in a new recipe.
And boom!
You’ll be so proud of how you tried something new and hopefully discovered some new amazing flavors.
And I hope that this little Ingredient of the Month series helps you do just that. After all, it’s basically how I learn about new foods.
This month, it was the large, bright and beautiful Napa cabbage.
Napa Cabbage
Tell me more:
Napa cabbage is a member of the cabbage family and can also be called Chinese cabbage. It is typically used in many Asian dishes. These are very large (3-5 pound) cabbages that have both white to fair yellow to light green colors in their very layered leaves.
Where do I buy it:
You can find Napa cabbage at your local farmers market, grocery store or Asian grocery store. Pick out a cabbage that has bright, crisp leaves without any browning.
Where do I store it:
Store your cabbage in its produce bag or wrapped in plastic wrap in your refrigerator. Like other cabbages, it should last for weeks.
How do I use it:
Napa cabbage is delicious in all of its raw and cooked uses. It makes a great slaw or cabbage, it’s the go-to cabbage for kimchi, and it’s just wonderful sauteed.
We have enjoyed sauteing chopped Napa cabbage in a little bit of butter with salt and pepper. It comes out sweet and savory and still a little crisp.
Here are some other ways to use your cabbage:
- Try these 5 kimchi recipes or this super easy one (Once you age the kimchi, you can use it in stir fry, in soups or on the side of mostly anything that needs some spice.)
- Speaking of stir fry, this cabbage is superb in one (recipe to come!)
- Roast them up with all the other vegetables lurking in your fridge
- Throw sliced cabbage into your favorite soup
- Top your favorite Asian dish with some crunch
Don’t be intimidated by the size or look of this veg. Grab a nice crisp one and start using it throughout your meal plan. In addition to its deliciousness, it’s sure to last you for weeks!