Put raw cabbage wedges in a slow cooker with these 3 ingredients. It’ll wow you..

When you cook onions slowly, their natural sugars caramelize, turning the onions tender and slightly sweet. This sweetness contrasts beautifully with the smoky, salty bacon and creates a harmonious balance of flavors.

Onions also release moisture during cooking, which helps to prevent the cabbage from drying out and ensures that the cabbage cooks evenly. The onions meld into the cabbage as it slow-cooks, creating a fragrant, savory base that ties everything together.

The Step-By-Step Process for Making Slow-Cooked Cabbage with Three Ingredients

Now that you understand the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making this amazing slow-cooked cabbage dish with just three ingredients: butter, bacon, and onion.

Ingredients:

– 1 medium head of cabbage (cut into wedges)
– 4 tablespoons of butter (or ghee/olive oil for a different flavor)
– 4-6 slices of bacon (or bacon bits/crumbles)
– 1 large onion (sliced)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
– Start by preparing the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into wedges, making sure to leave the core intact. This will help the cabbage hold its shape while cooking. You can also slice the cabbage into thick strips if you prefer a different texture, but wedges are ideal for slow cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon
– In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. If you’re using bacon bits or crumbles, you can skip this step and add them directly to the slow cooker.
– Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to drain on paper towels. Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet, as it will be used to cook the onions and add extra flavor to the cabbage.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion
– Using the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the sliced onion. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The caramelized onions will add a sweet, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cabbage.

Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker
– While the onions are sautéing, prepare your slow cooker by placing the cabbage wedges inside. Arrange the cabbage so that it is evenly distributed in the slow cooker. You may need to layer the cabbage if it’s a large head, but make sure it’s all in a single layer as much as possible.

Step 5: Add the Butter, Bacon, and Onions
– Slice the butter into small pieces and scatter it over the cabbage wedges. The butter will melt as the cabbage cooks, creating a luscious, rich flavor.
– Next, crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it on top of the cabbage. If you’re using bacon bits, sprinkle them evenly across the cabbage.
– Finally, add the caramelized onions on top of the cabbage. The onions will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.

Step 6: Slow Cook the Cabbage
– Cover the slow cooker and cook the cabbage on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and fully cooked. The cabbage will absorb all the flavors from the bacon, onions, and butter, becoming soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 7: Season and Serve
– Once the cabbage is cooked, taste it and add salt and pepper to taste. You can also sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
– Serve the cabbage as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or mashed potatoes.

Why This Recipe Will Wow You

1. Simplicity: With just three main ingredients, this dish is incredibly easy to make, yet it’s bursting with rich, comforting flavors. You won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen, and you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to make it.
2. Flavor: The combination of butter, bacon, and onions brings out the best in cabbage. The bacon provides a savory umami punch, the onions offer sweetness and depth, and the butter ties everything together with richness and creaminess.
3. Health Benefits: Cabbage is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while bacon provides protein and flavor. When slow-cooked, the cabbage retains all its nutrients while becoming tender and easy to digest.
4. Flexibility: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can adjust the amount of bacon and butter depending on your taste preferences, and you can add other vegetables or seasonings for extra flavor. Add garlic, thyme, or even some spicy peppers if you like your food with a kick.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just want a comforting side dish for a weeknight meal, this slow-cooked cabbage recipe is sure to impress. It’s versatile enough to be served with any main course, from roast chicken to grilled steak.

Conclusion

If you’ve been looking for a way to transform a humble vegetable like cabbage into something extraordinary, this slow-cooker recipe with just three ingredients—butter, bacon, and

onion—is the answer. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich, savory dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The slow-cooking process enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage and infuses it with the smoky, salty flavor of bacon, while the onions add an extra layer of depth.

Try it out for yourself, and prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can be so delicious!