Red Cabbage German Style
A vibrant and flavorful German-style red cabbage dish with apples, vinegar, and spices, perfect as a side for hearty meals or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the red cabbage into fine shreds; add a little boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes, or until tender but still crisp; drain.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
- Cover the apples with water and cook until tender, then drain.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shredded cabbage and sliced apples to the skillet.
- Cook the mixture for several minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the flour thoroughly to combine.
- Add brown sugar, salt, red wine, vinegar, and pepper if desired.
- Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cabbage and apple mixture. You can substitute the red wine with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version, or use white wine if that's what you have on hand. For added texture, try incorporating some toasted walnuts or pecans. Ensure to cook the cabbage just until tender while retaining its vibrant color.
Serving Suggestions
This Red Cabbage German Style dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as pork or duck, and goes well with mashed potatoes or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light salad or consider it as a side for your favorite Vegetarian recipes. It's a great addition to holiday feasts as well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Cabbage German Style contains roughly 137 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1180mg per serving (51% 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 use green cabbage instead of red cabbage?
While red cabbage is recommended for its color and flavor, you can use green cabbage in a pinch. The taste will be milder, and the color of the dish will change, but it will still be delicious.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Sweet-tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal as they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice balance to the dish's sweetness. Avoid using overly soft apples, as they can turn mushy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply cook it, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat it gently before serving to allow the flavors to meld further. This would also make a fantastic side for your holiday meals.
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).