Easy healthy winter meals: Braised Pork with Carrots and Pickled Cabbage
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🥘 Easy Braised Pork with Carrots and Pickled Cabbage: A Quick and Healthy Winter Meal
When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty meal that’s simple to make and packed with seasonal flavors. This easy healthy winter meal combines tender braised pork, sweet carrots, and tangy pickled cabbage for a cozy dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a perfect choice for anyone seeking quick easy healthy winter meals that highlight the best of the season.
Although some of the ingredients are harvested in the fall, they have a long shelf life and can easiliy be stored and used long into the winter!
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Braised Pork and Carrots
- 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or pork chops, cut into chunks 🥩
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into chunks 🥕
- 1 small onion, diced 🧅
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water) 🥣
- Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
For the Quick Pickled Cabbage
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (red or green) 🥬
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 🍏
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey 🍯
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
👩🍳 Directions
1. Quick-Pickle the Cabbage
Start by making the quick-pickled cabbage. In a small bowl combine the shredded cabbage with applecider vinegar, sugar (or honey), and salt. Toss well to coat. Let it sit while you prepare the rest of the dish(the longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.)
2. Sear the Pork
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the pork chunks, season with salt and pepper, and sear them until golden brown on all sides (about 5-6 minutes). Remove the pork and set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Using the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir inthe carrot chunks and cook for another minute to coat them in the flavors.
4. Simmer the Dish
Return the pork to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the carrots are cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the braised pork and carrots into bowls. Top with a generous handful of quick-pickled cabbage for a bright, tangy contrast. Pair with crusty bread, boiled potatoes, or even quinoa for a complete comforting meal.
🌟 Why This Recipe Is the Perfect Healthy Winter Meal
This dish checks all the boxes for easy winter meals healthy enough for busy weeknights yet comforting enough for a special dinner. Here’s why it works
- Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples like pork, carrots, onions, and cabbage
- Seasonal Focus: Highlights winter vegetables and preserved foods, which are perfect for colder months
- Quick and Easy: This onepot meal comes together in less than an hour with minimal prep, making it ideal for quick easy healthy winter meals.
- Nutrient-Packed: The combination of protein from the pork, fiber-rich carrots, and fermented cabbage provides a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.
Tips to Customize Your Healthy Easy Winter Meal
- Swap the Vegetables: Try parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes in place of carrots for a different flavor.
- Use Sauerkraut: Replace the quickpickled cabbage with sauerkraut for a more traditional fermented option.
- Go Low-Carb: Serve the dish on its own or over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Winter Table
This braised pork with carrots and pickled cabbage is a shining example of easy healthy winter meals. It’s warm, flavorful, and makes the most of seasonal produce. With its quick preparation and customizable nature, it an excellent addition to any meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat, this dish delivers everything you need to stay nourished and cozy during the colder months.
So the next time you’re craving healthy easy winter meals, give this simple recipe a try. It’s guaranteed to warm you up, satisfy your taste buds, and keep you coming back for more.