Are you looking for an easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful side dish or even a light main course? Then look no further! This crock pot cabbage recipe is your answer. It’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal hands-on time, and delivers a tender, slightly sweet, and subtly savory cabbage dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a winner. This recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes you can create with homemade cooking, and it's a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Make sure the cabbage is finely chopped to ensure even cooking. Rough chopping is fine, but smaller pieces will cook more quickly and evenly.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to your crock pot cabbage.
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Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), apple cider vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
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Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the cabbage is tender. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and how tender you like your cabbage. The longer it cooks, the more tender it will become.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the cabbage is cooked, give it a good stir. If you’d like a bit more liquid, add a tablespoon or two of water at the end of cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve warm as a delicious side dish or a light and healthy main course.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Bacon or Sausage: For a heartier dish, add 4-6 slices of cooked bacon or crumbled sausage to the slow cooker along with the vegetables.
- Apples or Pears: A diced apple or pear adds a lovely sweetness and complements the cabbage beautifully.
- Different Greens: Feel free to experiment with other types of cabbage, such as red cabbage or savoy cabbage. Adjust cooking times as needed depending on the cabbage type.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. A typical serving will contain roughly:
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This crock pot cabbage recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that are both healthy meals and delicious. It's incredibly versatile, easily customizable to your preferences, and perfect for maximizing your time in the kitchen. Enjoy!