Cabbage Steaks with Black Bean Hummus

Well, if cauliflower steaks are a thing, why not cabbage?  I was looking for something to use a can of black beans that didn't involve potatoes or tortillas.  I've been eating a lot of both lately.

I've decided that I really like roasted cabbage.  Wasn't expecting that.  Cut in a slab like that, it has the emotional impact of a thick slice of bread, but obviously tastes like cooked cabbage.  I made brown rice for the side more to have the calories than as a starch.  A salad seemed redundant.

I've also never made hummus from black beans.  Any bean works as hummus.  It brings its own flavor profile along, but is basically the same recipe.  I would definitely do it again if I was out of canned chickpeas.

1 medium green cabbage, about 1.5 pounds
salt, pepper, and paprika for sprinkling
*1 15 oz can black beans
*3 cloves garlic, peeled
*1 Tb lemon juice
1/2 tsp kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 tsp cumin
*2 Tb unsalted tahini paste
Olive oil for texture, about 1/4 C, plus 1 Tb for the cabbage

1.  Preheat oven to 375º.  Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.

2.  Slice the cabbage into 1" thick steaks crosswise, through the equator as it were.  Trim off the heel and top.  Place on the baking sheet.

3.  Lightly brush the cabbage with oil, flip, and brush the other side.  Some of the outer leaves may come off.  I saved them and the other trimmings for salad later in the week.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.

4.  Roast steaks 15 minutes.  Flip and roast another 15.  They should be tender, especially the slice with the core.  It's ok if the outer leaves get a little charred.

5.  While they're roasting, make the hummus.  Drain the beans and add to the food processor with garlic, lemon juice, salt, cumin, and tahini.  Process into a paste.  Add oil to thin.  If still thicker than you would like it, add a couple tablespoons of water.

6.  Serve cabbage warm with a generous amount of hummus.  I garnished mine with feta, but without it you get a complete vegan meal.

Difficulty rating  :)