This was my third dinner using the slow cooker. (Second attempt review after this recipe.)
I decided I was not going to do any pre-cooking / browning / whatever. Some of the comments I’ve seen discussing slow cooker recipes complain that it’s too much work getting it all organized to make the effort worthwhile.
I’m all for easy….
I tossed it all in the pot, turned it on and ignored it for the duration.
Okay, I looked at it a few times – it is new, after all.
Loved the flavors of this dish, and the pork chops were fantastic – fork tender.
I think the vegetables could have used another hour, or maybe part of the time on high. They were cooked, just not as tender as mon mari likes them. I cooked it for just under 6 hours – I changed it to 6 – 7 for the recipe.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Cabbage
Total time: 6 – 7 hours
Ingredients:
- 2 pork chops, boneless, 12oz (360gr) total weight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups Savoy cabbage, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, cut into sticks
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbs whole grain mustard
- 1 tbs sage, chopped
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp smokey paprika
- 1 1/2 cups (12oz, 360ml) beef stock
- 1/2 cup (4oz, 120ml) white wine
- 2 tbs cornstarch (maizena) dissolved in 2 tbs water
Instructions:
- Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker as follows: onions, carrots, garlic, chops, herbs, cabbage.
- Whisk paprika, broth, wine and mustard. Pour over the top.
- Cook on low for 6 – 7 hours – stir once if you like.
- 15 minutes (or so) before serving add cornstarch mixture and stir briefly.
- Turn cooker to high and cover – this lets the juices thicken slightly.
- Put it all on a platter and serve.
As to the missing second recipe…. I made Minestrone (the regular version is here).
It was not a smash hit.
I thought such a long cooking soup would be perfect for the slow cooker.
My first problem was that I had to seriously cut back my recipe to allow it to fit my 4 qt slow cooker.
My second problem was that my beans were old.
My third problem was that I added the tomatoes to the pot along with the dried beans. I know better than that but in the excitement of having a new toy I just dumped it all in and turned it on.
The soup tasted great – but the beans never softened. They were edible…. barely.I don’t know if it was the age of the beans or the acid from the tomatoes or both. In desperation I took the soup out of the slow cooker and put it on the stove top for a bit to see if I could get the beans to soften.
Nope.
I did soak the beans and boiled them for 10 minutes before adding them to the cooker – just so you know.
I am having fun with my new toy…..
Glad you are enjoying your slow cooker Katie. I on the other hand have not had a whole lot of luck with slow cookers. I have tried everything: reducing liquid, increasing seasonings and increasing/decreasing cooking timings. Still most everything comes out bland tasting. I have even tried 3 different brands of slow cookers…same results…sigh. Even when following someones recipe…same results…bland bland bland! Maybe slow cookers and I just do not get along! 🙂
I have to make sure my beans are thoroughly cooked prior to the slow cooker. I think they’re one of the few things that, unless you let them cook for 12 hours or more, will not cook properly in the slow cooker. Then again, I only tried once with dried beans and after crunchy results, I now use canned that I rinse before adding. Also, even though it’s a slow cooker, if you cook some pork cuts too long, they’ll dry out a bit. Just like chicken breasts. They will too.
if beans do not soften after they bean cooked try adding tablespoon of baking soda that usually
works for me you will need to cook a while longer
Julia, thanks for the tip – I didn’t know that and will try it when / if it happens again lol
I have had similar bean disasters !
Ina – hot sauce? Not for me haha…. I have had pretty good luck, so far. You may have to increase seasonings a lot. Also, I admit, I taste and adjust towards the end.
nightsmusic. thanks for the tips. I’m learning it’s not quite so standard as one would think…. As to the beans – opinions all over the place. I like yours….
Kate, so frustrating when all the time is spent for inedible food!
I just heard The Splended Table on the radio and they talked of putting a chicken carcass and vegie scraps in a slow cooker for 24 hours to make rich stock. Don’t know if it works or not, but worth a try.
My go-to recipe for Minestrone soup is from a slow-cooker book (even though my slow-cooker died many years ago and was not replaced). Lots of veg, no beans just some small pasta added near the end.
Penny – the house would smell wonderful if nothing else 😉
Syrahsuzie, I’ve seen similar versions…. maybe I’ll try that – forget the beans lol