This recipe turns humble cabbage into a mouthwatering dish using just three additional ingredients. By slow cooking raw cabbage wedges, the flavors gently develop, creating a tender, comforting, and healthy side dish perfect for any meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy vegetables, need a budget-friendly recipe, or simply love the natural sweetness of cooked cabbage, this simple method is sure to impress.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cut into 6–8 wedges
- 3 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
(Optional but recommended: ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth to enhance flavor and moisture)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage – Remove any wilted or tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into even wedges, leaving a bit of the core attached so they hold their shape during cooking. Rinse and pat dry.
- Season the Wedges – Place the wedges in the slow cooker in a single layer as much as possible. Sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Dot the butter over the top of the cabbage wedges, letting it melt and seep through as they cook.
- Optional Flavor Boost – If desired, pour ½ cup of broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps create steam, keeps the cabbage moist, and infuses more flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow – Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the cabbage is fork-tender but not falling apart.
- Serve and Enjoy – Carefully lift out the wedges with a spatula or tongs to keep them intact. Serve hot as a side dish with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as a topping for rice or baked potatoes.