We love the salty, umami flavour of soy sauce: a splash adds depth to stews, zing to marinades and it’s an essential accompaniment for sushi and stir-fries… But it doesn’t always love us back. Why? Because it contains wheat – and some people are allergic to it. But at least there’s hope! Say hello to tamari. While both sauces are made from soy, tamari is distinctly Japanese and darker and richer in flavour than regular Chinese soy sauce. It also generally does not contain wheat (check the label to be sure) and is higher in protein than soy sauce. It’s great for stir-fries, roasting and salads with bitter greens, and you can pick up a bottle from Faithful to Nature (online shopping FTW). So, if you’re looking a delicious, Asian-inspired dish for lunch this week, read on…
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Cabbage Salad with Tamari Dressing
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 Whole red cabbage, finely sliced
- 1 Spitz cabbage, finely sliced
- 3 Tbsp Pumpkin seeds
- 3 Tbsp Sunflower seeds
- 3 Tbsp Sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp Flaxseeds
- 10 g Coriander, leaves removed, stalks finely chopped
- 100 g Cranberries, finely chopped
- 100 g Almonds
- 2 to 3 large Avocados, finely sliced
- Alfalfa sprouts, for garnishing
Tamari Dressing
- 2 Tbsp Tamari
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- 4 to 5 Tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 orange
- 1 to 2 long Thin red chillis, finely chopped
- Pinch of sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Toss all the salad ingredients together and garnish with coriander leaves and sprouts.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together. Season to taste and add more olive oil or more tamari, if necessary.
- Salad serves six as a meal or 10 as a side dish.
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The Benefits of Raw Cabbage in Your Diet
Raw cabbage offers several health benefits, including supporting digestion, heart health and potentially reducing inflammation, thanks to its high fibre, vitamin C and antioxidant content. Here’s a more detailed look at the benefits of incorporating raw cabbage into your diet:
Digestive Health
Cabbage is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, which promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. The fibre in cabbage can help keep your gut healthy and may even support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The fibre in cabbage also adds bulk to stools, which can help prevent and alleviate constipation.
Heart Health
Cabbage contains antioxidants like anthocyanins, which may help protect against heart disease by reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel function. Some studies suggest that cabbage may help lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels. Cabbage’s high polyphenol content may help minimise the risk of cardiovascular disease by avoiding platelet formation and decreasing blood pressure.
Immune Support and Bone Health
Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. It also contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Cabbage contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as vitamin K, which are essential for maintaining strong bones.
