Imagine a side dish that transforms humble cabbage into a mouthwatering masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum taste! This Instant Pot Braised Cabbage and Apples recipe is about to revolutionize your dinner routine, blending sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one incredible dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary adventurer, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results in just 40 minutes, proving that delicious meals don't have to be complicated.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup apple juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces, core and slice the apples into thin wedges, and dice the onion into small, uniform pieces.
- Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add a small amount of oil to the bottom of the pot. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped cabbage and sliced apples to the pot, stirring to combine with the sautéed onions. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and apple juice, ensuring the liquid is evenly distributed throughout the cabbage and apples.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and change the setting to "Pressure Cook" on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the braised cabbage and apples. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Use a fresh, firm head of green or white cabbage for the best texture and flavor.
- Apple Selection Matters: Opt for firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that will hold their shape during cooking.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time caramelizing the onions to develop a deep, rich flavor base for the dish.
- Liquid Ratio is Key: The combination of apple cider vinegar and apple juice creates a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow a 5-minute natural release to help the cabbage become tender without becoming mushy.
- Seasoning Tip: Taste and adjust seasonings at the end. The flavors will intensify during cooking, so be conservative with salt initially.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
