Braised German Red Cabbage with Apples is pure comfort food, a dish that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly evening. There’s something about the combination of tender cabbage, sweet apples, and aromatic spices that feels welcoming and nostalgic. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a celebration of flavors, bringing warmth to any meal—or just your kitchen.
At the heart of this recipe are simple yet flavorful ingredients. You’ll need a medium head of red cabbage, thinly sliced, which lends its vibrant color and crunchy texture to the dish. Two apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, add a natural sweetness that beautifully balances the tanginess of the apple cider vinegar. The onion, sautéed to perfection, enriches the dish with its aromatic charm. A splash of apple cider vinegar, a bit of water, sugar, and caraway seeds tie everything together, while salt and pepper enhance the flavors. Every bite is a delightful symphony of sweet, sour, and warm spices.
Cooking this dish is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of all ages. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot, then sauté the onions until they’re translucent. Next, toss in the red cabbage and apples and cook briefly. After that, introduce the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and spices. Let everything simmer together on low heat until the cabbage is tender. The instructions are simple and lend themselves to patience and care—they allow you to savor both the cooking process and the final dish.
This braised cabbage is perfect for chilly nights when you want something heartwarming. It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks or holiday gatherings, sure to impress with its eye-catching color and incredible flavor profile.
Why You’ll Love This Braised German Red Cabbage with Apples
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet apples and tangy vinegar create a delightful contrast.
- Comforting Side Dish: Ideal for warming your heart and home.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals, it’s a great addition to any meal.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can shine in the kitchen.
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftover meals.
Red Cabbage Tips
When selecting your red cabbage, look for a head that feels dense and heavy for its size. The leaves should be crisp and intact, with no brown spots or wilting. Fresh cabbage will have a vibrant color that signals its quality. Once home, store it in the refrigerator where it can last for a couple of weeks. From there, slicing it thinly is key to ensuring even cooking and a delightful texture in the finished dish.
Options for Substitutions
- Vinegar: Instead of apple cider vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar for a different flavor.
- Apples: Swap Granny Smith apples for sweeter varieties, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, depending on your taste.
- Onion: Red onion can impart a milder flavor; yellow onion works well too.
- Sugar: Substitute honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
- Caraway Seeds: Try fennel seeds if you don’t have caraway on hand.
- Olive Oil: Use butter for a richer flavor if you prefer.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common pitfall is overcooking the cabbage. While you want it tender, mushy cabbage loses its vibrant texture and flavor. Keep an eye on it while it simmers; stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and encourages even cooking.
Another mistake can be during seasoning. Adding too much salt too soon can overpower the other flavors, so it’s best to start with a little and adjust as you go. Also, wait to add the vinegar until the cabbage has softened a bit; this way, it can absorb the flavors without becoming overly tangy.
Lastly, don’t rush the cooking process. Braised dishes benefit from slow, gentle heat. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully and gives you that comforting, rich taste that makes this dish so special.
What to Serve With Braised German Red Cabbage with Apples?
This delightful dish pairs well with a variety of entrees. Serve it alongside bratwurst or pork chops for a traditional German meal. It also complements roasted chicken nicely, adding a colorful and flavorful side. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it with a hearty vegetable stew or lentils, which bring their own protein to the table.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to preserve it longer, you can freeze braised red cabbage for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 2-4 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
Ingredients
- 1 medium head red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Add the sliced onion to the pot and quickly sauté until they become translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Apples
Stir in the thinly sliced red cabbage and apples, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 4: Incorporate the Other Ingredients
Add the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: Cover and Simmer
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm either on its own or alongside your favorite main dish.
In conclusion, this Braised German Red Cabbage with Apples is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy. Whether served for dinner or a festive gathering, this dish can truly elevate a meal. I invite you to try it out, share your feedback, and maybe explore other delightful recipes on this blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use green cabbage instead of red cabbage?
Yes, you can substitute green cabbage if that’s what you have on hand. However, the color and some flavor aspects will differ slightly.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Simply reheat before serving for a great side dish anytime.
Print
Braised German Red Cabbage with Apples
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Braised
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish of tender red cabbage and sweet apples, flavored with aromatic spices and vinegar.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the sliced onion to the pot and quickly sauté until they become translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the thinly sliced red cabbage and apples, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve warm either on its own or alongside your favorite main dish.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This dish freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg