How many calories in 250 grams of cabbage sabzi?: A Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

November 3, 2025 •

3 min read

While raw cabbage is naturally a very low-calorie vegetable, containing just 22 calories per 89 grams, cooking it into a sabzi adds other calorie-dense ingredients, making the final count significantly higher. To accurately track your intake, it’s important to understand the factors that influence how many calories in 250 grams of cabbage sabzi can vary so widely.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of 250g of cabbage sabzi is not fixed but depends on the cooking method and ingredients. Factors like the amount of oil used, as well as the inclusion of potatoes or peas, can cause the calorie count to range significantly.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for 250g of cabbage sabzi is not fixed, ranging from approximately 75 to over 250 kcal depending on preparation.
Oil is the Main Factor: The amount of cooking oil used is the primary determinant of the final calorie total, as it is a calorie-dense ingredient.
Added Ingredients Matter: Adding starchy vegetables like potatoes significantly increases the total calorie count, while a simple cabbage and spice version stays low-calorie.
Nutrient-Dense Cabbage: Even in a higher-calorie preparation, cabbage provides significant amounts of vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber.
Choose Your Preparation: For a healthy, weight-loss-friendly meal, opt for a minimal-oil recipe and avoid adding high-carb vegetables like potatoes.

The Variable Calorie Count of Cabbage Sabzi

For a standard 250-gram portion, the number of calories in cabbage sabzi is highly variable, ranging from approximately 75 kcal for a low-oil version to well over 250 kcal for a preparation with added ingredients like potatoes and generous amounts of cooking oil. Raw cabbage itself is very low in calories, with 100 grams containing only about 24–25 kcal. However, the total calorie count of the sabzi is determined by the cooking fat, additional vegetables, and spices used.

The Major Factors Influencing Calorie Content

Several key elements in the preparation process directly impact the final calorie count of a cabbage sabzi dish. Understanding these factors is essential for anyone monitoring their calorie intake for weight management.

1. The Impact of Cooking Oil

Oil is the most significant source of added calories in any sabzi. A single tablespoon of oil contains approximately 120 calories. For a 250-gram portion, the difference between using a minimal amount of oil for sautéing versus a generous amount for a richer gravy is substantial. For a basic, healthy version, a small amount of oil is used for tempering spices, while a more traditional or restaurant-style preparation may use significantly more, potentially doubling or tripling the calorie count from the oil alone.

Minimal oil: A health-conscious approach uses just enough oil to coat the pan and temper the spices, keeping the fat content low.
Moderate oil: A typical home-cooked recipe might use 1-2 tablespoons of oil, adding a noticeable amount of calories.
Excess oil: Using 3 or more tablespoons of oil dramatically increases the calorie density, turning a healthy vegetable dish into a calorie-laden meal.

2. Additional Ingredients

Cabbage is often cooked with other vegetables that add to the overall calories. The most common addition is potato (aloo), which is rich in starch and carbohydrates. A typical aloo-patta gobhi sabzi (cabbage and potato curry) will be much higher in calories than one made with only cabbage.

Potatoes (Aloo): A medium potato adds approximately 160 calories, a significant increase when included in a 250g serving.
Peas (Matar): Green peas add carbohydrates and some protein, contributing moderately to the calorie count.
Other Vegetables: While less common, additions like carrots or capsicum will also add a few calories, though generally less than potatoes.

3. Preparation Method

The way the dish is cooked also plays a role. A simple, dry sautéed sabzi will have fewer calories than a recipe with a rich, fatty gravy. A steamed cabbage dish is the lowest-calorie option, while a fried or masala-based recipe will contain more calories due to the added fat from cooking and the density of ingredients. For example, a healthy cabbage masala recipe from Tarla Dalal is estimated at 74 calories per serving, highlighting the lighter approach.

Comparison of Cabbage Sabzi Preparations

This table illustrates how different preparation methods and ingredients can alter the calorie content for a 250g portion.


Preparation Style	Key Ingredients	Estimated Calories (per 250g)	Calorie Influencing Factors
Simple Sautéed Cabbage	Cabbage, minimal oil, spices	~75-100 kcal	Low oil content, no starchy vegetables
Cabbage & Potato Sabzi	Cabbage, potatoes, moderate oil	~150-250 kcal	Added carbohydrates from potatoes, moderate oil
Rich Masala Sabzi	Cabbage, potatoes, peas, more oil	~250+ kcal	Generous oil, starchy vegetables, dense masala

Cabbage's Health Benefits Beyond Calories

Regardless of the calorie count, cabbage offers numerous health benefits due to its rich nutritional profile. It is a fantastic source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and potent antioxidants.

Immunity Support: High levels of vitamin C help bolster the immune system.
Digestive Health: Its high fiber content aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Antioxidants found in cabbage can help reduce chronic inflammation.
Heart Health: Anthocyanins in red cabbage have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Conclusion

So, how many calories in 250 grams of cabbage sabzi? The answer is not a single number but depends entirely on the recipe. A minimal-oil version with just spices can be a very low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal, while one with potatoes and more oil will be significantly higher. For weight management, it is crucial to pay attention to the cooking method and ingredients beyond just the cabbage itself. By controlling the amount of oil and starchy vegetables, you can easily create a healthy, low-calorie version of this delicious dish.

To learn more about the numerous health benefits of cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables, visit Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make the lowest-calorie cabbage sabzi, use minimal oil for tempering, focus on spices, and avoid high-carb additions like potatoes. Consider using a non-stick pan to further reduce the need for oil.

For 100 grams of plain, cooked cabbage (without added oil or other ingredients), the calorie count is very low. Boiling or steaming it will result in approximately 20-33 calories per 100g, depending on the variety.

Adding potatoes doesn't necessarily make it unhealthy, but it does significantly increase the carbohydrate and calorie content. If you are watching your calorie intake, a potato-free version is preferable.

Yes, if prepared correctly, cabbage sabzi can be excellent for weight loss. Its high fiber content helps you feel full, and a minimal-oil recipe is very low in calories.

Common spices used in cabbage sabzi include mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander powder, and green chilies. These spices add flavor with negligible calories.

Red and green cabbage have very similar calorie counts per 100g, with raw green cabbage containing about 25 kcal and red cabbage having slightly more, around 31 kcal. The nutritional difference is minimal, though red cabbage contains more potent antioxidants called anthocyanins.

Yes, a cabbage sabzi with minimal oil and no added potatoes is suitable for a low-carb diet. It's high in fiber and nutrients while keeping the carbohydrate count low, especially if you avoid starchy vegetables.