Hot and Sour Napa Cabbage

Vegetarian TImes

Serves 4

30 minutes or fewer

This classic Chinese side dish can be ready in less than 15 minutes, slicing time included. It goes well with milder non-Asian main dishes too.

• 1 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
• 2 whole dried chiles de arbol, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
• ½ tsp. minced fresh ginger
• 1 head napa cabbage, leaves cut into 1-inch-thick slices (2 lb.)
• 3 Tbs. Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• 3 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ tsp. sugar
• 2 green onions, green parts thinly sliced (2 Tbs.), for garnish

Heat vegetable oil and sesame oil in large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chiles, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry 1 minute. Add cabbage, and cook 30 seconds. Stir in vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until cabbage is crisp-tender. Season with salt, if desired, and give one last shake or stir. Serve garnished with green onions.

Nutrient rich cabbage is loaded with phytochemicals like indole-3-carbinol, lutein, sulforaphane and isothiocyanates, which help protect against cancers and help reduce LDL levels in the blood.  Fresh cabbage is also an excellent source of vitamin C with over 60% RDA per 100g.