Baked Savoy Cabbage

Here is the recipe to prepare oven-baked savoy cabbage (cabbage) in a simple and appetizing Italian style.

Ingredients

• 1 medium savoy cabbage
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Grated Parmesan (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
2. Remove the tougher outer leaves of the cabbage and cut the savoy cabbage into four wedges, keeping the core so the leaves stay attached. If you prefer, you can also cut it into strips.
3. Peel the garlic cloves and crush them lightly with the side of the knife.
4. In a baking dish large enough to hold the cabbage wedges, pour the extra virgin olive oil and arrange the garlic.
5. Place the cabbage wedges in the dish and brush them with the oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the dish with a sheet of aluminum foil and bake the cabbage for about 40 minutes.
7. After this time, remove the aluminum foil, and if desired, sprinkle the cabbage with a little breadcrumbs and Parmesan. This will add crispiness and flavor. For a tangy note, you can drizzle with a thread of balsamic vinegar.
8. Return to the oven for another 20 minutes or until the cabbage is golden and crispy on the edges.

If you prefer a more flavorful touch, you could enrich the recipe with slices of pancetta or sausage placed between the layers of cabbage before baking or add boiled chestnuts in the final cooking step for a rich winter dish full of flavor.

Trivia

Baked savoy cabbage is a dish of simple preparation that highlights the sweet and slightly peppery flavor of this vegetable. In addition to being tasty, savoy cabbage is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent ally for our health.