002: CARAMELIZED CABBAGE & ONIONS

🥬 Caramelized Cabbage & Onions — The Alchemist’s Side

Series: The $25 Thanksgiving Feast • Archetype: The Alchemist — humble greens turned to gold.

💡 Why This Works

Slow heat + salt + a touch of fat = cabbage that tastes nutty, sweet, and buttery. Cheap vegetable, banquet flavor.

⚡ Energy & Time

• Total: 35–40 min • Active: 10 min
• Effort: Low (RPE 3/10)
• Cost: ≈ $2.00 (serves 4)*
• Gear: Large skillet or sheet pan

🥣 What It Is

Shredded cabbage and onions slowly caramelized with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar for sparkle.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 4)

• 1/2 medium green cabbage (about 1 lb), thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp oil or 1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp butter (vegan: all oil)
• 1 tsp salt • black pepper
• 2 tsp soy sauce or 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, boosts caramel)
• 2 tsp apple cider or lemon juice to finish

✍️ Method

1. Skillet: Heat fat medium-high. Add onions, 2 min. Add cabbage, salt, pepper; toss.
2. Cook 20–25 min, stirring every few minutes. If dry, add 1–2 tbsp water to deglaze.
3. Stir in soy (or sugar) for color/sweetness; cook 2–3 min until deep golden.
4. Finish with vinegar/lemon. Taste for salt. Serve warm.

🔥 Sheet-Pan Option

Toss all on a sheet pan with oil, salt, pepper. Roast at 425°F / 220°C for 20–25 min, stirring once. Splash vinegar at the end.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Add 1 tsp cumin or caraway for warmth.
• Stir in 1 tbsp mustard or chopped dill for a bright twist.

📦 Storage

• Fridge 4 days; reheat in skillet to re-crisp edges.

📜 Lore

Proof that patience is seasoning: the poorest leaf wears a festival’s flavor when given time and flame.

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor: 20/20
• Ease: 20/20
• Cost Efficiency: 20/20
• Textural Payoff: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Greens into gold.

*Cost based on budget US pricing; adjust by region.