Grandma'S Red Cabbage
A sweet‑savory red{cabbage side dish, brightened by apples, vinegar, and bacon drippings, perfect for holiday gatherings or hearty weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine shredded red cabbage, cubed apples, vinegar, brown sugar, water, salt, pepper, and bacon drippings in a large pan.
- Cover the pan tightly and steam over medium heat until the cabbage is tender, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute bacon drippings with olive oil or butter. Experiment with different apple varieties to achieve a balance of sweet and tart. Additionally, you can add spices like cinnamon or cloves for a warm touch, which complements well with pork recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's Red Cabbage alongside hearty meats like roasted pork or braised beef. It pairs beautifully with Pork Chops With Spiced Apple Wedge. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread. This dish also makes a great topping for sandwiches or can be enjoyed on its own as a flavorful side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't dry out. This dish can also be served cold as a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Red Cabbage contains roughly 235 calories, with 2g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1914mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this red cabbage dish a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply reheat before serving. This makes it a great side dish for entertaining or holiday meals.
What type of vinegar works best in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for regular vinegar, apple cider vinegar is an excellent choice for a sweeter flavor. You can also use red wine vinegar for a slightly more robust taste. Just remember to adjust the sugar if you switch to a more acidic vinegar to maintain balance.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! You can incorporate other vegetables like carrots or onions to enhance the flavor and texture. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly with the cabbage. This can add a nice variety to the dish while keeping it in line with traditional American recipes.
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).