Brown rice with black cabbage and savoy cabbage

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PRESENTATION

Brown rice with black cabbage and savoy cabbage is one of those brown rice recipes that’s just so perfect for anyone who loves good, honest food. Honestly, in Tuscany, they really know how to make simple ingredients taste amazing—like, really really amazing. And this dish? It shows that off perfectly. The combo of black cabbage (locals call it cavolo nero) and savoy cabbage gives you a bowl that’s both tender and hearty.

Those big, earthy flavors? Totally Tuscany. Whole grain rice is key here, soaking up all the goodness from the veggies during a long, slow cooking process. You know, so the grains come out moist but never mushy. There’s no need to overthink it—just a little raw olive oil drizzled on top and a sprinkle of sharp pecorino cheese, and boom, you've got a really satisfying meal. People sometimes toss in a pinch of whatever seasonal spice they have on hand or a bit of leftover veggie, but you know what? The basic flavors always shine through. It’s a real go-to for anyone hunting for healthy rice dishes or just wanting to eat more plants without missing out on taste.

In the Tuscan countryside, this kind of vegetarian rice and cabbage dish is always on the table when folks want something that fills you up but still feels light and fresh. Black cabbage recipes like this aren’t just about being healthy—they’re about making sure every bite is full of rich flavor and natural goodness. And the balance? Between the leafy greens and the nutty, slightly chewy rice—it hits the mark. Especially after everything cooks together and the flavors get nice and deep. What makes it different from other savoy cabbage recipes is how the vegetables get to be the star, and the rice just backs them up perfectly.

Some folks keep it simple. Others get creative with little extras—maybe a dash of pepper or a handful of fresh herbs, depending on what's around. Either way, this kind of easy cabbage recipe keeps things real and nourishing. Like, just like the best home-cooked meals from Tuscany always do. Can't go wrong. For real.

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INGREDIENTS
Whole rice 1 ¼ cup (340 g)
Italian kale (cavolo nero) 1.1 lbs (500 g) - (to clean)
Verza (savoy cabbage) 1.1 lbs (500 g) - (to be cleaned)
Carrots 1
White onions ½
Celery ½ rib
Garlic 1 clove
Pecorino cheese 4 tsp - without rennet
White wine 4 tsp
Extra virgin olive oil 4 spoonfuls
Fine salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Preparation

How to prepare Brown rice with black cabbage and savoy cabbage

To prepare brown rice with black cabbage and savoy cabbage, first wash all the vegetables, then finely chop the garlic, carrot 1, celery 2, and onion 3.

Cut the black cabbage 4 and savoy cabbage 5 6 into strips.

In a non-stick pan, place the chopped carrots, garlic, onion, and celery 7, add 2 tablespoons of oil 8 and 2 teaspoons of white wine 9, then stew over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat some lightly salted water in a pot.

Add the brown rice 10 and stir to let it absorb the flavors 11, then deglaze with the remaining white wine 12.

When all the alcohol has evaporated, add the black cabbage 13 and savoy cabbage 14, then cover with hot water 15.

Cover with a lid 16 and cook over low heat for about 40 minutes or until the rice is cooked. With the heat off, stir in the remaining oil 17 and the pecorino cheese 18.

Finish with a sprinkle of pepper 19 and mix well 20. Your brown rice with black cabbage and savoy cabbage is ready to be served 21!

Storage

Brown rice with black cabbage and savoy cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator, in a closed container, for up to 2 days.

Tip

If you want to make the dish richer and more complete, you can add legumes such as chickpeas or cannellini beans.

Instead of brown rice, you can use farro, barley, or quinoa, adjusting the cooking times according to the chosen grain.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.