Are you looking for a simple yet stunning side dish that’s bursting with flavor and requires minimal effort? Look no further! This red cabbage crock pot recipe is your answer. Forget tedious chopping and stovetop simmering; let your slow cooker work its magic and transform humble red cabbage into a vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet masterpiece. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easily adaptable to your taste preferences. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground caraway seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by washing and thinly slicing the red cabbage, onion, and apples. The thinner the slices, the quicker and more evenly they’ll cook. This is a great task for a mandoline slicer if you have one!
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Combine in Crock Pot: In your slow cooker, combine the sliced red cabbage, onion, and apples.
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Add the Flavor: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables. Then, pour in the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar (or maple syrup). Sprinkle the caraway seeds and cloves over the mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: Stir everything gently to coat evenly. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm as a delightful side dish alongside roasted meats, poultry, or sausages.
Cooking Tips for the Best Red Cabbage:
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Don't Overcrowd the Crockpot: Ensure you don't overcrowd your slow cooker. This will hinder even cooking and might result in soggy cabbage. If necessary, cook in batches.
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Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of this dish is easily customizable. If you prefer a more tart flavor, reduce the brown sugar or maple syrup. Conversely, add more for a sweeter taste.
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Add Some Spice: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables.
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Other Flavor Combinations: Experiment with different spices and herbs. A bay leaf, thyme, or rosemary can add a lovely depth of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on ingredients used)
- Carbohydrates: Around 25-35g
- Fiber: Around 5-7g
- Protein: Around 2-3g
This information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and serving size.
Variations:
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Bacon Red Cabbage: Add 4-6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
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Cranberry Red Cabbage: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries during the last hour of cooking for a festive touch.
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Sausage Red Cabbage: Brown 1 pound of sausage before adding it to the slow cooker along with the cabbage and other ingredients.
This red cabbage crock pot recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that require minimal effort. It's a perfect addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire. Enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade cooking and impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant side dish.