On April 2, 2010, The Economic Times published an article with a title that loudly asked “an [i[conic Indian cabbage dish likely?” My answer? Every desi family, in almost every region in India, has a cabbage curry that’s mouth-watering. It’s an embarrasment of riches. The question is not whether there is an iconic Indian cabbage curry, instead which one to bestow the honors on.
As a contender, I nominate the Dhaba Style Patta Gobi Ki Sabzi that sold like hotcakes on the Lower East of Manhattan
So many late work nights, so many dinner options–restaurants, take out, Seamless Web. Yet, I used to go night after night to this tiny Indian shop/deli on the lower east side in Manhattan, somewhere between 1st and 5th St. , because I wanted once more to savor the taste of their Dhaba Style Indian Cabbage Curry
The deli was narrow and impossibily small. Imagine a 400 ft. studio, then cut it in half. On one end was the shop component, with counters and magazines and miscellaneous flim-flam. On the other side, was a narrow line of people, stretching from one end all the way outside the door, nursing their chais (Indian teas) while somehow juggling their plates of food.
The atmosphere left much to be desired but the steaming culinary creations that would magically appear from the back were so irresistible that many, like me, braved the biting New York cold to stand ouside in line. The reward? Generous portions of dal, rice and my choice of one in four curries. I always chose the Indian Cabbage Curry because it reminded me of the best of dhaba style food. Simple yet delicious.
And I went back for it again and again and again, often, sitting out on the stoop of the apartment building next door, and warming myself with cozy cabbage visions.
So we circle back to the question we started with, “are such simple cabbage dishes iconic?”
Leonardo Da Vinci said it best, “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” And sophistication is iconic.
The Happy Sound of Indian Cabbage Curry Bubbling Away
Light & Refreshing Indian Cabbage Curry on Lower East Side (Dhaba Style Patta Gobi Ki Sabzi)
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Cabbage and peas are steamed to perfection, then simmered in a light and refreshing onion sauce.Â
Ingredients
2 tbsp. oil
4 cups cabbage, cut into 1 cm. squares
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup onions, roughly diced
1 tbsp. ginger paste
1 tbsp. garlic paste
1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
1 tsp. Kashmiri red chili powder or 1/4 tsp. of cayenne pepper powder
1/2 tsp. Kitchen King masala (see notes below to see where this is available or for substitutions)
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1/2 tsp. caraway seeds (ajwain)
1/2 cup tomatoes, roughly chopped into 1 cm. squares
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups water
Salt to taste (approximately 3/4-1 tsp.)
Instructions
- Steam the cabbage and peas for 12-13 mins until the cabbage are tender but still have a bit of a bite.
- Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a pan on med. heat for 2 mins. Add 1 tbsp. each of ginger and garlic paste. Saute for 30 secs. Â
- Add 1/2 cup each of onions and cabbage along with the masalas: 1/2 tsp. each of ground turmeric and Kitchen King masala + 1 tsp. Kashmiri red chili powder. Stir to mix the sprices thoroughly and cook for 4-5 mins. If the spices stick to the bottom of the pan, add 2 tbsp. water.
- Turn the stove off, let the mixture cool, then blend with 1 1/2 cups of water to a fine puree.
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp. oil and add 1 tsp. each of cumin and caraway seeds. Cook for 2-3 mins. until the seeds crackle and pop.
- Toss in the tomatoes, and the remaining cabbage. Season with 3/4 tsp. salt and cook for 2 mins.
- Add the onion-cabbage puree and simmer for another 2-3 mins. Â
- Taste, adjust seasoning and serve. Light and refreshing Indian Cabbage Curry!
Notes
- You can get Kitchen King masala online at https://foodsofnations.com/product/kitchen-king-masala/
- If you don’t have Kitchen King masala or don’t have time or desire to try it, substitute with curry powder.
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 76
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 410
- Fat: 4.8
- Saturated Fat: 0.7
- Carbohydrates: 7.5
- Fiber: 2.6
- Protein: 1.8
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: cabbage curry, cabbage sabzi, cabbage gravy, cabbage in a light sauce, patta gobi, patta gobi ki sabzi, dhaba style patta gobi, dhaba style patta gobi ki sabzi, curried cabbage, cabbage and peas, cabbage and peas curry
Eating With Your Eyes:
Finding Indian Spices
You can find Kitchen King masala and various other Indian spices online at https://foodsofnations.com/product/kitchen-king-masala/. I am NOT getting paid to share this website. This is just a store where I’ve found that the quality of spices sold is good and they ship all over the US.
Other Simple, but Sophisticated Cabbage Dishes:
- If you like heat, try Simply Delicious Spicy Sichuan Cabbage at https://veggiemashups.com/spicy-sichuan-cabbage/
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