White Cabbage Wraps with Spiced Chickpea Filling and Fresh Herb Slaw

Bright, hearty, and full of crunch, these wraps make cabbage the star of the plate. Inspired by the fresh layering of Ottolenghi’s slaws and Noma’s minimalist cabbage dishes, this recipe combines vibrant vegetables, satisfying plant protein, and fresh herbs for a light yet nourishing meal.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 2 to 3 people (about 6 wraps)

Yield: 6 medium wraps

Ingredients

For the wraps 

• 1 medium white cabbage 

• Salt and water for blanching

For the filling

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or red lentils)

• ½ cup crumbled tempeh or tofu

• ¼ cup roasted peanuts or pumpkin seeds

• 1 small red onion, finely diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• A pinch of ForestFoods Fire Dust

• Juice and zest of one lime

• A handful of chopped parsley or dill

• Olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

For the herb slaw

• 2 cups finely shredded cabbage

• 1 small beetroot or carrot, grated

• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

•  A handful of spinach or rainbow chard, chopped

• 2 tablespoons chopped herbs (parsley, coriander, or dill)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

•  Juice of one lime

• 1 teaspoon honey or natural sweetener

• Salt and black pepper

ForestFoods Cabbage in the Farm

Method

1. Prepare the cabbage leaves Gently separate large outer leaves and blanch in salted boiling water for 10 seconds until pliable. Transfer to ice water, then pat dry.

2. Cook the filling In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add chickpeas and tempeh or tofu, then stir in cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Toast briefly, then add lime juice, nuts or seeds, herbs, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Make the slaw Combine shredded cabbage, beetroot, spring onions, and greens. Whisk olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper, then toss with the vegetables.

4. Assemble Lay a cabbage leaf flat, spoon some warm filling in the center, top with slaw, fold the sides, and roll tightly. Serve whole or sliced in half.

 Perfect Pairings

• Roasted Baby Potatoes tossed in olive oil, garlic, and herbs — earthy and satisfying beside the fresh wraps.

• Grilled Cauliflower Steaks or Charred Fennel for a smoky complement.

• Yogurt-Lime Dip or Tahini Dressing adds creaminess and balance.

• Cold Pressed Juice or Herbal Infusion (like dill or mint tea) keeps the meal light and detoxifying.

 Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced nutrition: Plant protein from chickpeas and tempeh meets fiber-rich cabbage for a filling yet light meal.

• Flavor contrast: The warm, spiced filling meets a crisp, citrusy slaw — bright, layered, and textural.

• Visual appeal: Vivid greens, pinks, and yellows pop against the cabbage wrap, creating instant appetite appeal.

• Sustainability: Every ingredient is seasonal, local, and zero-waste friendly — it’s flavor with purpose.

Join our Veg Box Community

Not yet part of our veg box community? You’re warmly invited to join us and experience the joy of eating with the seasons. Every Tuesday and Friday, we deliver farm-fresh produce straight from our fields to your doorstep, harvested with care and packed with goodness. Alongside your box, you’ll also receive recipes, tips, and inspiration to help you make the most of what’s inside.

It’s simple, to get started: sign up and shop at shop.forestfoods.co.ke, and let us bring the farm closer to your kitchen.