5 Amazing Slow Cooker Red Cabbage Recipes You Have To Try

Lately, you might have heard a lot about how versatile and delicious red cabbage can be in your slow cooker. Today, we're diving into the culinary delight of red cabbage slow cooker recipes that not only bring out the best in this vibrant vegetable but also make your cooking process a breeze. Whether you're looking to serve a stunning side dish for your holiday dinner or want a healthy, flavorful accompaniment to your everyday meals, these Five Amazing Slow Cooker Red Cabbage Recipes are must-tries. Enjoy the depth of flavor and the ease of cooking with our handpicked selections!

Why Red Cabbage?

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Red cabbage isn't just a colorful addition to your meals; it's packed with nutrition, and slow cooking enhances its sweet, earthy taste. Here are some reasons to choose red cabbage:

• Vitamins & Antioxidants: Red cabbage is rich in Vitamin C, K, and A, and boasts high levels of antioxidants.
• Culinary Benefits: Its flavor deepens and sweetens when cooked slowly, making it perfect for dishes where you want to showcase a rich, complex taste profile.
• Fiber: A good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and maintains a healthy gut.

Classic German Rotkohl 🇩🇪

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A quintessential German side dish that marries sweetness and tanginess:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of red cabbage, shredded
• 2 apples, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp sugar or honey
• 2 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of beef broth or red wine

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage: Remove outer leaves and shred the red cabbage, ensuring to discard the core.

2. Layer in Slow Cooker: Arrange half the cabbage at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add apples, onions, cloves, and cinnamon stick, then top with remaining cabbage.

3. Add Liquids: Pour the beef broth or red wine over the ingredients. Add vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

4. Slow Cook: Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld together.

5. Season and Serve: Check for seasoning. Add more salt or sugar if needed to balance the flavors. Serve warm.

<p class="pro-note">🍎 Note: Adjust the sweetness by tasting the cabbage midway through cooking. Slow cookers vary, so check the texture and add more liquid if needed.</p>

Balsamic Braised Red Cabbage 🍇

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For those who love a bit of sophistication in their dishes:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of red cabbage, shredded
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 3 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Saute: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, cook for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

2. Transfer: Move the garlic to the slow cooker, add shredded cabbage, balsamic vinegar, water, honey, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook: Set to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

4. Finishing Touch: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. The vinegar should provide a nice tang, balanced by the sweetness of the honey.

Spicy Red Cabbage with Apples and Cranberries 🌶️

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For a twist, spice things up with this zesty, sweet, and spicy rendition:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of red cabbage, shredded
• 2 apples, cored and chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine: Mix all ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution of spices and liquids.

2. Slow Cook: Set on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally.

3. Serve: Adjust flavors with additional salt, pepper, or sweetness if required.

Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage with Pineapple 🍍

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This recipe is a delightful fusion of sweet and sour, perfect for pairing with grilled meats:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of red cabbage, shredded
• 1 can (20 oz) of pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice)
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Layer: Place cabbage and pineapple in the slow cooker.

2. Make the Sauce: Mix pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Pour over the cabbage mixture.

3. Cook: Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

4. Thicken: Halfway through cooking, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.

Red Cabbage with Sauerkraut and Sausage 🌭

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A hearty, one-pot meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying:

Ingredients:

• 1 head of red cabbage, shredded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 jar (16 oz) sauerkraut, drained
• 4 bratwurst or kielbasa sausages
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup white wine or beer (optional)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep: Combine cabbage, onion, and sauerkraut in the slow cooker.

2. Add Liquid: Pour in broth, wine/beer, and vinegar.

3. Add Sausage: Lay sausages on top.

4. Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

5. Adjust: Season with salt and pepper before serving.

These recipes showcase the incredible versatility of red cabbage, proving that it’s more than just a colorful garnish. Slow cooking brings out flavors you might not have discovered otherwise, making these dishes both comforting and delectable. With each recipe, you'll find a unique combination of ingredients that complement the cabbage’s natural sweetness and earthiness.

FAQs:

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make these recipes in advance?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, many of these red cabbage recipes can be made in advance. They actually taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Just reheat gently before serving.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Most of the recipes can be easily adapted for vegetarians. Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and skip sausage or use a vegetarian alternative. You might need to adjust seasoning as well.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I store leftover red cabbage?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to prevent drying out.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Whether you're preparing for a festive gathering or just want to add some color and health to your daily meals, these slow cooker red cabbage recipes will delight you and your guests. Enjoy the simplicity and the depth of flavors that slow cooking brings to this humble vegetable.