Cabbage Sprouts roasted in duck fat! Just a few simple ingredients elevate humble cabbage sprouts to delicious and amazing!
I get a little crazy when I see a new vegetable on the horizon because I've probably told you once or twice that I have yet to meet a vegetable I don't like.
One morning not long ago, I was heading to Whole Foods to shop for a client. I passed by a local greengrocer who has been in business in the Memphis area for close to forever. Their marquee read: "Cabbage sprouts are here."
I about blew my brakes out because evidently cabbage sprouts were a big deal! Stopping wasn't an option because I had to shop and get to the client's home. However, I headed back the next day. I couldn't wait to find out what a cabbage sprout was!
This. This is a cabbage sprout.
What are cabbage sprouts?
After a head of cabbage is harvested, the grower allows the plant to remain in the ground. The cabbage plant then produces these little sprouts from around where the head was. Some really smart person somewhere decided to harvest and sell them.
At the greengrocer, I came upon two Southern ladies who were eagerly filling up bags to purchase and I got an education on cabbage sprouts.
They're only available once a year for a short time and when they're gone, they're gone. These ladies braise them like collards, mustard or turnip greens and described them as sweeter with a lighter flavor than cabbage.
Oh sure, I could have braised them, but these limited release veggies called for a more royal treatment. Olive oil? Too ordinary. Time to get out the duck fat, baby! Duck fat gives everything the royal treatment!
Duck fat is available at gourmet stores and a little goes a long way. Be sure to keep it refrigerated. If you happen upon a large quantity, liquefy it over low heat, then transfer to small containers and freeze it.
You don't want to use a lot here, otherwise, they'll be greasy. Cabbage sprouts vary in size so use your judgment as to how much to use. Two tablespoons worked well for a full sheet pan.
Lovely, lovely! I hope they become mainstream soon! Cabbage wedges roasted in duck fat would be equally delicious!
Love anything cabbage, too? Be sure to try these:
- Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Mustard Vinaigrette
- Parmesan Roasted Cabbage Wedges
- Russian Cabbage Soup (Shchi)
Roasted Cabbage Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound cabbage sprouts - halved if large (or cabbage wedges)
- 2-3 tablespoons liquefied duck fat
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place cabbage sprouts on a large baking sheet (lined with foil if desired).
- Drizzle the liquefied duck fat over the cabbage sprouts and gently rub the fat over each one of the sprouts, covering as much area as possible, but not overdoing it. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, to taste.
- Roast for 20 minutes. Turn them over and roast another 10 minutes or to desired doneness.
Nutrition
These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
Anonymous says
sharron hill says
Where can I buy cabbage sprouts in Memphis, TN?
Carol says
Hi, Sharron, Thanks so much for your question. That's a tough one ever since Easy Way closed and they're only available for such a short period of time in the spring. I checked with Jennifer Chandler at the Commercial Appeal and she suggested the big international market in Cordova. The one on Winchester would be a good place to check also. If you find them, please let me know! In the meantime, I'll be on the lookout too. Thanks again!
Lisa says
They’re at the farmer’s market now in Nashville!
Carol says
Very cool, Lisa! Love that perhaps the rest of civilization may be catching on to cabbage sprouts! Thanks so much!