Braised Red Cabbage(Serve With Sauerbraten)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: German

A hearty and tangy side dish featuring tender braised red cabbage with apples, onions, and spices, perfect for hearty meals or holiday tables.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. red cabbage
  • 1 medium white onion
  • 2 Granny Smith apples
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. butter

Instructions

  1. Remove the core from the cabbage and cut it into 1/4-inch thick slices.
  2. In a large saucepan, combine the cabbage, sliced onion, sliced apples, red wine, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cover the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring 2 or 3 times.
  5. Add the butter and stir until melted.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter flavor, consider using Fuji apples instead of Granny Smith. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tang. If you prefer a spicier kick, a pinch of cinnamon or cloves could enhance the dish. Remember to slice the cabbage thinly for even cooking. This dish pairs beautifully with Sauerbraten, making it a perfect holiday side.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the braised red cabbage as a side dish alongside Sauerbraten for a traditional meal. It also complements roasted meats, sausages, or vegetarian recipes like stuffed peppers. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover braised red cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine to prevent sticking. It can also be microwaved until heated through, ensuring it's not overcooked.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Braised Red Cabbage(Serve With Sauerbraten) contains roughly 189 calories, with 3g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (147% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1242mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

189 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.1g 6% DV
Total Fat 1.1g 1% DV
Carbs 44.9g 16% DV
Fiber 6g 21% DV
Sugar 37.6g 75% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1241.6mg 54% DV
Potassium 519.5mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 1.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 26.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 132.3mg 100% DV
Calcium 62.7mg 5% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make braised red cabbage ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the red wine or use a non-alcoholic substitute such as vegetable broth or apple juice. You can also enhance the flavor with extra spices.

How do I know when the cabbage is done cooking?

The cabbage should be tender but still retain a slight crunch. You can test it with a fork; it should penetrate easily without falling apart. Avoid overcooking to maintain its vibrant color.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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