Cut the cabbage in half and trim out the core. Thinly slice as much of the cabbage as you think you will want to serve. Note that the cabbage is going to lose volume, so be generous with the portions (and also, this salad is SO good that it will disappear faster than you think!) Put the sliced up cabbage into a wide bowl.

Next get a small amount of salt. 1 – 2 teaspoons is all you need for a small cabbage. Sprinkle a bit of the salt on the chopped up cabbage and gently massage it into the leaves. Repeat with a bit more salt. Now let the cabbage sit. In ten minutes, check it and massage it some more. It should be wilting and softening. If not, you may need a little more salt. After a total of 20 minutes, it is probably ready.

Squeeze the water out of the cabbage and pour out any water that has accumulated in the bottom of the bowl. Sprinkle the lemon and pepper over the top of the wilted cabbage and toss. Finally add the parmesan cheese and/or walnuts and you are ready to serve.