A Southern Staple Made Simple

Cabbage is a staple of traditional Southern cooking. While Southern-style cabbage typically simmers for hours, your Instant Pot can produce the same tender, flavorful results in a fraction of the time.

To make old-fashioned Southern cabbage in your Instant Pot, you'll need just a few simple ingredients:

• Savoy or green cabbage: Use about 1/2 a small cabbage. Remove the outer leaves, cut into wedges, and chop into bite-sized pieces.

• Onion: Dice one medium onion. Onions add flavor and moisture.

• Bacon or salt pork: Chop 3 to 4 strips of bacon or salt pork. The rendered fat will add lots of flavor. Vegetarian? Use olive oil instead.

• Broth: Use 1 to 2 cups of chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. The broth helps the cabbage cook evenly and adds more flavor.

• Sugar (optional): Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the bitterness and enhance the sweetness.

• Salt and pepper: Season the cabbage with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or to taste.

Add the chopped cabbage, onion, and bacon to your Instant Pot. Pour in the broth and add the sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.

Lock the lid in place and make sure the valve is turned to the "sealing" position. Press the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" button and set the time for 3 minutes.

When the Instant Pot beeps to signal it's done, do a quick pressure release by turning the valve to "venting." This releases the steam and allows you to open the lid.

Fluff the cabbage with a fork and taste, adding more salt and pepper as needed. The cabbage should be tender but not mushy, with a flavor only a long simmer could produce.

Your Instant Pot just made Southern-style cabbage a simple weeknight side. Enjoy!

The Sweet, Savory Flavors of Old-Fashioned Southern Cabbage

There’s nothing quite like the smell of cabbage simmering away in the kitchen. This classic Southern side dish has been gracing tables for generations. When cooked low and slow, cabbage develops an irresistible sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with just about any main dish.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a soul-satisfying pot of old-fashioned Southern cabbage in your Instant Pot. All you need is green cabbage, onion, chicken or vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Onions

To start, sauté half of a diced onion in a bit of oil using the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the Cabbage

Next, add one small head of chopped green cabbage. Stir to combine with the onions and cook for a couple minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.

Add the Liquid

Pour in 1 to 2 cups of broth and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. The broth will add savoriness while the vinegar provides a tangy kick. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well.

Pressure Cook

Lock the lid in place and set to high pressure for 5 minutes. When time is up, quick release the pressure. Check that the cabbage is tender, and give it a stir.

Finish and Serve

If needed, set to sauté function for a few minutes until the liquid has reduced to your liking. The cabbage is ready once it’s tender and infused with the sweet and savory cooking liquid. Serve it as a side to fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or meatloaf. Leftovers keep refrigerated up to 1 week.

This simple soul food classic is sure to become a family favorite. The sweet and tangy flavors of the cabbage pair perfectly with Southern comfort food. Enjoy!

How to Make Instant Pot Southern Cabbage in Under 5 Minutes

Making old-fashioned Southern cabbage in your Instant Pot is a snap and only takes a few minutes. The Instant Pot’s pressurized steam quickly softens the cabbage and infuses it with flavor. Follow these easy steps:

Ingredients:

• 1 small head green cabbage, cored and shredded

• 2 slices bacon, diced

• 1/2 onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the diced bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes more.

3. Add the shredded cabbage, broth, vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set to manual pressure cook on high for 2 minutes. Quick release the pressure.

5. Fluff the cabbage with a fork and stir well. The cabbage should be tender but still have some texture. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

That’s all there is to it. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a side of sweet and tangy Southern cabbage to serve alongside fried chicken, BBQ ribs or your favorite Southern fare. The Instant Pot concentrates the flavors as it cooks the cabbage, so you end up with an intense version of this classic side dish. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Southern Cabbage

Now that you have a big pot of delicious Southern cabbage simmering away in your Instant Pot, it’s time to think about how you want to serve it. This hearty, comforting side pairs well with a variety of main dishes.

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings are a Southern classic that cabbage complements perfectly. The savory broth soaks into the cabbage, enhancing its flavor. Homemade or store-bought dumplings add heartiness and substance.

Fried Fish or Chicken

Cabbage also makes a great side for fried foods like catfish, tilapia or fried chicken. Its tangy, vinegar-infused flavor helps cut through the richness and provides balance. Mashed potatoes, cornbread or hush puppies round out the meal.

Red Beans and Rice

For a meatless Monday, cooked red beans, rice and cabbage make a satisfying supper. The cabbage adds texture, acidity and nutrition. Hot sauce, diced onions and cornbread elevate this simple, budget-friendly dish.

Sausage and Potatoes

Browned sausage, braised potatoes and cabbage create a comforting, filling meal. Use your favorite type of sausage—smoked, sweet or hot Italian. Dice the potatoes and braise them in broth until tender. The robust flavors of the sausage and potatoes pair deliciously with the cabbage.

Cabbage may not seem like an exciting side at first, but its versatility allows it to complement so many classic Southern and soul food mains. Whether you want to keep things light with beans and rice or hearty with chicken and dumplings, cabbage adds flavor, nutrition, color and balance. Leftovers also reheat well for lunches the next day. However you choose to serve your Southern cabbage, your taste buds will thank you.

FAQs About Making Southern Cabbage in the Instant Pot

Have some questions before diving into this delicious recipe? Here are some common FAQs:

Do I really need an Instant Pot for this recipe?

While an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot does make this recipe super convenient, no, it’s not absolutely required. You can make this recipe on the stovetop using a Dutch oven. Just sauté the onions, then add the cabbage, cover and simmer for about an hour until tender, stirring occasionally. The Instant Pot just speeds up the cooking process.

Can I use green cabbage instead of napa cabbage?

Absolutely, green cabbage will work great in this recipe. Either napa (also called Chinese) cabbage or green cabbage will produce delicious results. Green cabbage may need a few extra minutes of cooking time since the leaves are thicker. Just check for your desired tenderness.

Can I add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots?

Yes, other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, corn and green beans pair well with cabbage and would be perfect additions to this recipe. Add 1-2 cups of extra veggies when you add the cabbage. The cooking time may need to increase slightly to ensure all veggies become tender.

How long will leftovers last?

Cooked cabbage will last up to 1 week refrigerated in an airtight container. The flavor may intensify over time. You can also freeze cooked cabbage for up to 3 months. Simply reheat thoroughly until heated through.

What spices can I add?

Some classic spices for Southern-style cabbage include:

• Bay leaves: Adds an aromatic, savory flavor. Use 1-2 bay leaves.

• Caraway seeds: Earthy, nutty flavor. Use 1/2 teaspoon of seeds.

• Dried or fresh thyme: Floral, herbaceous flavor. Use 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme or 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme.

• Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds heat and spice. Use 1/2 teaspoon or to taste.

• Sugar (optional): 1-2 teaspoons of sugar helps balance flavors and enhances natural sweetness.

Making a pot of Southern cabbage is so rewarding. With some simple ingredients and your Instant Pot, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time at all. Enjoy!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

So you've decided to make some old-fashioned Southern cabbage in your Instant Pot. Here are some common questions and answers to help you on your way.

Do I need to modify the recipe for the Instant Pot?

The good news is, this recipe converts really well to the Instant Pot. The only adjustment you need to make is to reduce the cooking time. In the original recipe, the cabbage cooks for 2 to 3 hours. In the Instant Pot, 10 to 15 minutes under high pressure is plenty. Just make sure to do a quick release after cooking and check that the cabbage is tender when done.

What kind of cabbage works best?

For this recipe, use a hearty green cabbage like Green Coronet or Early Jersey Wakefield. These varieties hold up well to long cooking and have a great robust flavor. Avoid softer varieties like Napa or Savoy cabbage which can get mushy.

Do I need to stir the cabbage while it's cooking?

One of the benefits of making this recipe in an Instant Pot is that no stirring is required! The Instant Pot creates an environment where the cabbage can braise in its own juices. Just layer the ingredients as directed, seal the lid and let the Instant Pot do its magic.

Can I add other veggies?

Absolutely, other veggies like onions, carrots, bell peppers and potatoes pair great with cabbage. Just add them in with the other ingredients before sealing the Instant Pot. Corn, tomatoes and okra also make wonderful additions when the cabbage is done cooking. Stir them in, replace the lid and let everything heat through for a few minutes.

Does this recipe freeze well?

Yes, the Instant Pot Southern cabbage freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let the cabbage cool, then portion it into freezer bags or containers. When ready to eat, simply reheat the cabbage in a pot on the stovetop until piping hot. You can also thaw the cabbage overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.

Recipe Notes:

When making this old-fashioned Southern cabbage recipe, keep a few tips in mind:

• Use a medium head of green cabbage. Cut it into wedges that will fit in your Instant Pot. Remove the core before cooking.

• Add a bit of broth or water to the pot. About 1/2 cup of liquid will create enough steam to cook the cabbage without making it soggy. You can also add a bit of chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor.

• Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Choose the high pressure setting and set the time for 3-5 minutes. The exact time will depend on how crunchy or soft you like your cabbage. Start with 3 minutes for al dente and add time for softer cabbage.

• Do a quick release after cooking to instantly depressurize the pot. Carefully remove the lid, tilting it away from you as you lift to allow steam to escape.

• Fluff the cabbage with a fork once done. Add butter, salt, and pepper to taste and any other seasonings you like such as vinegar, bacon, or caraway seeds.

• For extra flavor, you can sauté a bit of diced bacon or onion before adding the cabbage. The flavors will permeate the cabbage as it cooks.

• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Cabbage is also great reheated or served cold in salads.

Following these useful recipe notes and tips will ensure you make light and fluffy Southern cabbage in your Instant Pot. With just a few minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious side dish to enjoy. Let us know if you have any other questions!

Nutrition

Cabbage is packed with nutrition, which is why it's been a staple in diets around the world for centuries. When cooked, cabbage becomes even more nutritious. This old-fashioned southern style cabbage retains many of the original nutrients while gaining additional benefits from cooking.

• Vitamin C: Cabbage is high in vitamin C, an essential antioxidant that supports your immune system and healthy skin. Cooking cabbage releases more of the vitamin C, making it even more available for your body to absorb.

• Fiber: Cabbage contains insoluble fiber that aids digestion and helps keep you regular. The fiber content remains high even after cooking. Fiber can help you feel full, so adding cabbage to your diet may aid weight management.

• Glucosinolates: Cabbage contains glucosinolates, compounds that may help fight inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of some types of cancer. Cooking cabbage produces isothiocyanates, a compound derived from glucosinolates that provides additional anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.

• Manganese and Vitamin K: Cabbage is also a good source of manganese, an essential mineral important for bone health and metabolism, as well as vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.

When you make this southern-style cabbage, you're getting a healthy dose of nutrition with each delicious bite. Cabbage has so many benefits, it's no wonder why it has been used in folk medicine for generations. This simple side dish is budget-friendly, packed with nutrients and perfect for any meal. Enjoy your cabbage and all the nutritious goodness it provides!

Conclusion

And there you have it, a tasty Southern cabbage recipe that's as easy as throwing everything in the Instant Pot and letting it work its magic. No need to slave over a hot stove for hours when your handy multi-cooker can get the job done in a fraction of the time. In no time at all, you'll have tender, melt-in-your mouth cabbage ready to pair with all your Southern favorites. So grab your Instant Pot and give this simple recipe a try - we promise your tastebuds will thank you. Whether enjoyed as a side or a main dish, this cabbage is sure to become a staple in your home cooking rotation once you experience just how delicious and fuss-free it truly is.