In Praise of Braising

Cabbage, radicchio and leeks? Probably not on most people’s top 10 lists of veggies. But together, they’re surprisingly good.In this recipe, the combination of greens (cabbage and radicchio) and aromatics (leeks and garlic) are a natural. Braising them first, then cooking them in a small amount of liquid brings out their best.

Pair the vegetables with one of the least expensive yet most flavorful meats available--skirt steak--and you’re in for a treat. Steam some rice and the meal is complete.

MENU

Braised Cabbage, Radicchio and Leeks

Grilled Skirt Steak

Steamed Rice

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STAPLES

Butter

Garlic

Olive oil

Red wine vinegar

Vegetable broth

White rice

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SHOPPING LIST

Leeks

Radicchio

Savoy cabbage

Skirt steak

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GAME PLAN

30 minutes before: Season steaks, slice cabbage, radicchio and leeks. Mince garlic.

20 minutes before: Start rice, begin cooking cabbage.

10 minutes before: Finish cabbage. Grill steaks.

Braised Cabbage, Radicchio and Leeks

Active Work and Total Preparation Time: 20 minutes

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

2 leeks, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 head of savoy cabbage, thinly sliced

2 small heads of radicchio, thinly sliced

1 cup vegetable broth

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Salt, pepper

Heat the oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 1 minute. Add the cabbage and radicchio, increase the heat to high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted and starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the broth and cook until the vegetables are tender and the broth has evaporated, 4 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and cook until the vinegar has evaporated, 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4 servings. Each serving: 133 calories; 420 mg sodium; 16 mg cholesterol; 10 grams fat; 4 grams saturated fat; 11 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams protein; 1.94 grams fiber.

Grilled Skirt Steak

Active Work and Total Preparation Time: 10 minutes

3 pounds skirt steak

Salt, pepper

Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Grill over hot coals or medium-high heat until medium rare, about 2 minutes a side.

4 servings. Each serving: 597 calories; 232 mg sodium; 163 mg cholesterol; 37 grams fat; 16 grams saturated fat; 0 carbohydrates; 61 grams protein; 0.02 gram fiber.