Braised Cabbage With Potatoes Chili

Featured in: Classic Family Dinners

This European-inspired braised cabbage combines tender green cabbage, soft potatoes, and a gentle chili kick for a comforting vegetarian main dish. Simmered in vegetable broth with butter, garlic, and aromatic spices, it delivers meltingly soft vegetables with rich, warming flavors. Ready in 50 minutes with minimal effort, it's naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan. Serve as a hearty main with crusty bread or as a substantial side dish.

Updated on Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:57:04 GMT
Tender braised cabbage with potatoes and chili, buttery and soft, served steaming from a rustic pot for a cozy meal. Pin
Tender braised cabbage with potatoes and chili, buttery and soft, served steaming from a rustic pot for a cozy meal. | panpatriot.com

Tender, buttery cabbage and soft potatoes meld together with a gentle chili warmth in this soul-soothing dish. Perfect for cozy, comforting meals, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a flavorful, meltingly soft feast that fills your home with a rustic, inviting aroma.

Tender braised cabbage with potatoes and chili, buttery and soft, served steaming from a rustic pot for a cozy meal. Pin
Tender braised cabbage with potatoes and chili, buttery and soft, served steaming from a rustic pot for a cozy meal. | panpatriot.com

Braising the cabbage and potatoes in vegetable broth allows them to absorb all the savory notes of garlic, onion, and bay leaf. The subtle addition of smoked paprika adds a faint earthiness that complements the buttery texture of the vegetables perfectly.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium green cabbage (about 900 g), cored and sliced
  • 500 g (1 lb) Yukon Gold or waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 cm chunks
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 fresh red chilies, deseeded and finely sliced (or 1 tsp chili flakes, to taste)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) vegetable broth
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges
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Instructions

Step 1
Heat butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Step 2
Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 3
Stir in the garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Add the potatoes and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
Step 5
Add the sliced cabbage, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6
Pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Step 7
Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and cabbage are meltingly soft and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 9
Remove the bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is essential for even heat distribution during the long braise. Ensure you stir the mixture occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking, and note that leftovers reheat exceptionally well the next day.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, simply substitute the butter with plant-based margarine. If you enjoy more heat, you can use extra chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix to heighten the warmth of the dish.

Serviervorschläge

This dish is excellent as a standalone main or a hearty side. Pair it with thick slices of crusty bread to soak up any remaining broth, or serve it alongside grilled sausages if you aren't following a vegetarian diet.

A close-up of braised cabbage with potatoes and chili, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on a ceramic dish. Pin
A close-up of braised cabbage with potatoes and chili, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on a ceramic dish. | panpatriot.com

With its simple preparation and deeply satisfying results, this braised cabbage and potato dish is the ultimate comfort food. Whether served as a nutritious weeknight dinner or a side for a larger gathering, it is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Recipe Questions

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply substitute the unsalted butter with plant-based margarine or additional olive oil to make it completely vegan while maintaining the rich, comforting flavor.

What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is ideal for this dish as it becomes wonderfully tender when braised. You can also use savoy cabbage for a slightly more delicate texture.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Start with one chili and taste before serving. Add extra fresh chilies, chili flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat. Deseeding the chilies reduces spiciness.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth, alongside grilled sausages for non-vegetarians, or with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Why are my potatoes not cooking evenly?

Ensure all potato chunks are cut to uniform 2 cm size. Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold hold their shape better while becoming tender. Stir occasionally during cooking for even heat distribution.

Braised Cabbage With Potatoes Chili

Buttery cabbage and soft potatoes with gentle chili warmth—perfect for cozy, comforting meals in just 50 minutes.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
35 min
Total duration
50 min


Difficulty Easy

Origin European

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Ingredients

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

01 1-2 fresh red chilies, deseeded and finely sliced, or 1 tsp chili flakes
02 1 tsp smoked paprika, optional
03 1 bay leaf
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Liquids & Fats

01 3 tbsp unsalted butter
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 1 2/3 cups vegetable broth

Garnish

01 Chopped fresh parsley, optional
02 Lemon wedges, optional

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the base aromatics: Heat butter and olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 02

Bloom the spices: Stir in the garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Build the foundation: Add the potatoes and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.

Step 04

Combine vegetables and seasonings: Add the sliced cabbage, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Introduce liquid and bring to simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Step 06

Braise until tender: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes and cabbage are meltingly soft and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 07

Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Chopping board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy information

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter). Use plant-based margarine for dairy-free option
  • Verify vegetable broth ingredients to ensure gluten-free certification

Nutrition facts (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein: 4 g