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Romanian Slow Roasted Caramelized Cabbage (Varză Călită)

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Romanian / Eastern European
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Tender wedges of cabbage slow-roasted until deeply caramelized and savory–sweet, inspired by Romanian comfort cooking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large green cabbage (about 22.5 lb / 900-1,100 g)
  • 3 tbsp sunflower oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tsp coarse salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra caramel sweetness)
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 °F (160 °C).
  2. Remove outer leaves from cabbage, then cut the head into 8–10 wedges, keeping the core intact to hold each wedge together.
  3. Arrange the wedges in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or a shallow roasting pan.
  4. Drizzle oil over wedges, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and honey (if using).
  5. Tuck garlic slices between wedges.
  6. Cover loosely with foil and roast for 60 minutes.
  7. Uncover, brush any pan juices over the cabbage, and roast another 30–45 minutes, turning wedges once halfway, until deep golden-brown and tender.
  8. During the last 5 minutes, drizzle with apple cider vinegar, then roast uncovered.
  9. Remove from oven, transfer wedges to a serving platter, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill.
  10. Serve warm as a side dish or main with crusty bread or smoked meats.

Notes

  • Slow roasting brings out the cabbage’s natural sweetness and develops rich caramel flavor.
  • Apple cider vinegar brightens the dish—omit if you prefer purely sweet notes.
  • Leftovers are delicious reheated or thinly sliced into salads or wraps.
  • For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika after roasting.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 wedge (approx. 200 g)
  • Calories: 130 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg