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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 and flavorful side dish featuring tender red cabbage braised in apple cider and warming spices, perfect for fall and winter meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head red cabbage (about 2 pounds or 900 grams), thinly sliced
  • 2 cups (16 fl oz) apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons (1 fl oz) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a few juniper berries or a cinnamon stick (remove before serving)

Instructions

  1. Remove outer leaves of the red cabbage if wilted or damaged. Cut cabbage in half, remove core, and thinly slice into 1/4 inch (6 mm) strips.
  2. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
  3. Place sliced cabbage, chopped onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Pour in apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top.
  4. Drizzle melted butter over the mixture. Add ground cloves, salt, and pepper to taste. Add optional juniper berries or cinnamon stick if using.
  5. Gently stir ingredients with a wooden spoon to combine without bruising the cabbage.
  6. Cover slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.
  7. Check for tenderness after 6 hours; cook up to 8 hours if desired but avoid overcooking.
  8. Before serving, adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more apple cider vinegar if needed. Remove any whole spices.
  9. Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

If apple cider is very sweet, reduce brown sugar to avoid overpowering sweetness. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking. For vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and brown sugar with maple syrup or honey. Lemon juice can replace apple cider vinegar but will alter flavor. Optional add-ins include juniper berries or cinnamon stick (remove before serving).

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, apple cider, braised red cabbage, fall recipe, side dish, easy recipe, comforting, autumn, gluten-free, vegan option

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