Red Cabbage With Pears And Pig
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Servings:
Ingredients
  • 1/4 pound smoked pork chops (see note), cut into medium dice
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, julienned
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2-3 pound red cabbage, cored, shredded
  • 1 cup dry red wine, such as pinot noir
  • 1 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth or water
  • 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
  • 3 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 pears, cored and sliced or diced
Directions
  1. In a heavy bottomed stockpot, cook the diced pork chop in the oil over medium-high heat until light brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add onions to pot; cook until wilted and lightly brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Add cabbage; stir in wine, broth or water, vinegar, brown sugar, bay leaves and thyme. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Turn up heat; when liquid comes to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low (or place in a 325-degree oven), and braise until cabbage reaches desired doneness, usually 30 to 60 minutes. Check liquid levels, and add a little more stock or water if needed.
  5. When cabbage is nearly done, add pears and reserved smoked pork; cover again, and cook until the pears are tender, about 5 minutes.
  6. Correct seasoning and serve immediately, or cool and hold in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat, stirring occasionally, in a covered pan over medium-low heat with a little stock or water to keep it from scorching.