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Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Red Cabbage

slow cooker apple cider braised red cabbage - featured image
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A cozy, hands-off slow cooker recipe featuring tender red cabbage braised in sweet and tangy apple cider, perfect for fall and holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head red cabbage (about 2 pounds / 900g), thinly sliced
  • 2 cups apple cider (480 ml), preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh apple slices (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage and aromatics: Remove tough outer leaves from the cabbage, cut in half, remove the core, and slice thinly (about 1/4-inch thickness). Peel and slice the onion. Mince the garlic.
  2. Optional sauté: In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add garlic for the last minute. Skip this step if desired and add raw to slow cooker.
  3. Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Add sliced cabbage to slow cooker. Pour in apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle brown sugar over cabbage. Add sautéed or raw onions and garlic. Season with cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, stirring once or twice if remembered. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours for a quicker option but less tender texture.
  5. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or brown sugar. Stir in fresh apple slices if using and let warm through.
  6. Serve warm as a side dish alongside roast pork, sausages, or vegetarian mains.

Notes

Sautéing onions and garlic is optional but adds depth of flavor. Use unsweetened or lightly sweetened apple cider to avoid overly sweet dish. Stir gently to keep cabbage slices intact. If mixture is too watery near the end, leave lid off for 20-30 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. For vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and brown sugar with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, apple cider, braised red cabbage, fall recipe, holiday side dish, easy side, vegetarian, gluten-free, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/slow-cooker-apple-cider-braised-red-cabbage-recipe-easy-and-delicious/