German-Style Red Cabbage

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: German

German-Style Red Cabbage is a vibrant and tangy side dish that combines the sweetness of apples with the savory notes of sautéed onions and red cabbage. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats and is perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts, offering a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will enjoy.

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Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp butter or margarine
  • 3 Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 small red cabbage, shredded (1-3/4 lb.)
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2 tsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/3 cup dry red wine

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add apple and onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
  2. Add cabbage and vinegar.
  3. Stir together sugar, flour, salt, and pepper; sprinkle over cabbage.
  4. Add wine; cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, for 35 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter flavor, consider using sweet apples like Fuji instead of Granny Smith. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cabbage can save you prep work. To enhance the dish, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves for warmth. If you prefer a thicker consistency, increase the flour to 1 tablespoon. Remember to taste and adjust the vinegar and sugar to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

This German-style red cabbage makes a wonderful side for roasted meats, particularly pork or beef dishes. It also pairs beautifully with Palachinke (Filled Pancakes) for a hearty brunch option. Consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added color.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the cabbage in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish for quick reheating. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German-Style Red Cabbage contains roughly 208 calories, with 3g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1347mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).

208 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 5.3g 7% DV
Carbs 37.6g 14% DV
Fiber 3.2g 11% DV
Sugar 19.7g 39% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1346.6mg 59% DV
Potassium 254.8mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 44.7mg 50% DV
Calcium 42.4mg 3% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 use a different type of cabbage?

Yes, you can substitute green cabbage for red cabbage, though the flavor and color will change. Green cabbage is milder and may not provide the same vibrant appearance. If using Savoy cabbage, it will add a slightly different texture but still work well with the other ingredients.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. Ensure that the wine you use is also vegetarian, as some wines are processed with animal-derived fining agents. For a vegan variation, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, this dish can be made in advance and actually tastes better after a day in the refrigerator as the flavors meld together. Just follow the recipe up to the cooking stage, cool it down, and store it in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving.

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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