Whoa, I had no clue you could do this with a slow cooker!

 Slow Cooker Garlic-Parmesan Whole Cabbage

A delicious and elegant vegetarian side dish, this whole cabbage recipe is slow-cooked until tender and infused with rich garlic butter, bright lemon, and savory Parmesan flavors. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal—from cozy dinners to holiday tables.

 Ingredients:

• 1 medium whole green cabbage (choose a firm, tightly packed head)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup vegetable broth

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Start by removing any loose or damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Using a sharp knife, cut out the tough core from the bottom of the cabbage. Be careful not to cut too deep—just enough to remove the hard core while keeping the head intact. This step allows the butter and seasonings to seep deep into the leaves as it cooks.

Tip: You can gently pull apart the outer leaves a bit to make space for the sauce to go in between.

Step 2: Make the Garlic-Parmesan Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to turn golden—do not let it brown.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. This mixture will be rich, tangy, and aromatic, and it’s the heart of the dish’s flavor.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the whole cabbage upright in your slow cooker. Pour the garlic-Parmesan-lemon butter mixture slowly over the top of the cabbage. Use a spoon to gently lift the leaves and let some of the mixture get between the layers for deeper flavor.

Then sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the top and sides of the cabbage.

Step 4: Add Broth and Cook

Pour the vegetable broth around the base of the cabbage (not directly on top). This will help steam the cabbage gently as it cooks and infuse the bottom layers with additional flavor.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to:

• Low heat for 6 to 8 hours, depending on the size of your cabbage and how soft you like it.

The cabbage will slowly become buttery, tender, and deeply flavored throughout.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once fully cooked, carefully remove the cabbage using two large spoons or spatulas. It will be soft and delicate, so handle it gently to keep it whole. Transfer to a serving dish.

Spoon some of the broth and melted butter from the slow cooker over the cabbage. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

 How to Serve:

• Slice into wedges and serve as a side dish with roasted meats, grilled fish, or lentils.

• For a vegetarian main course, pair with crusty bread or a hearty grain like farro or quinoa.

• Leftovers can be chopped and stirred into soup, pasta, or rice dishes.

 Tips:

• For extra flavor, sprinkle red chili flakes or smoked paprika before cooking.

• Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a plant-based version.

Enjoy your flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth slow cooker cabbage!