When it comes to diets that help fight cancer cabbage is one of the foods you want to consume. It is high in calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. But most people don't buy it and many say it smells. Would it surprise you to learn that it smells because it's boiled?
The glucosinolates in cabbage are what give it the cancer fighting properties. Boiling cabbage also cooks out most of the glucosinolates. That being the case we need to get it into the diet in other ways. For the most flavor and the most nutrients try it the following ways:
STEAMED - Cabbage doesn't loose nutrients when it's lightly steamed. Add some salt and pepper and serve along side a meat dish. You can also chop it up and add it to mashed potatoes or any other veggie dish.
SAUTEED - Five minutes of sauteing preserves the glucosinolates. Toss into stir fry's as you can do some many different things with stir frys, just change up the protein and veggies, or simply saute in a little butter or olive oil.
RAW - Your body absorbs more glucosinolates when you eat it raw. Add it to salads, salsas, and soups. You could even use it in a sandwich in the place of lettuce.
I have a recipe for a cold Asian Slaw salad that is delicious. It's cold and crunchy and everyone who has had it falls in love with it and asks for the recipe. Here is it:
Dressing:
6 tbsp rice vinegar
6 tbsp vegetable oil
5 tbsp creamy peanut butter
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp minced ginger
1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp miso
Combine the following in a bowl and whisk to blend. Can be made ahead and refrigerated however, let stand at room temp for 30 minutes before using.
Salad:
5 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
2 large red or yellow peppers, cut into matchsticks
2 med carrots, shredded
8 large green onions, sliced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Optional: roasted and salted peanuts
Slice all salad ingredients into a large bowl and chill well. This salad must be served very cold. Dress the salad right before serving so it stays crisp. Toss in some chopped peanuts if desired.
This a great recipe to serve a crowd. Take it to a party as a side dish.
