Red Cabbage With Apples

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Red cabbage with apples offers a vibrant blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a perfect side dish for hearty meals or festive occasions. The tender cabbage, crisp apples, and aromatic spices create a colorful and flavorful dish suitable for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 to 2 apples, cored and sliced
  • 2 Tbsp. bacon fat
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 c. water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 Tbsp. vinegar and sugar or to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large skillet.
  2. Cook over medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider or using a sweeter variety of apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. If you want to reduce fat, you can substitute the bacon fat with olive oil or omit it altogether. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the dish's sweetness, complementing the apples. This recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty meats, making it a great side for pork recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish warm as a side to roasted pork or sausages for a comforting meal. It also works well as a topping for sandwiches or as a component in a grain bowl. Pair it with mashed potatoes or bread rolls to soak up the delicious juices. For a light lunch, consider serving it alongside an Apple And Wilted Lettuce Salad.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover red cabbage with apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent sticking. It can also be microwaved in a covered dish for a few minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Red Cabbage With Apples contains roughly 199 calories, with 4g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1892mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

199 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 6.8g 9% DV
Carbs 37.9g 14% DV
Fiber 10.6g 38% DV
Sugar 5.8g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1891.6mg 82% DV
Potassium 339.6mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 0.7mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 82.1mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 33mg 37% DV
Calcium 281.6mg 22% DV
Iron 12.3mg 68% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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 vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the bacon fat with olive oil or another vegetable oil. You could also add some chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. The dish will still be delicious without the bacon fat, while the sweetness from the apples will balance the flavors beautifully.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?

To adjust the sweetness, simply modify the amount of sugar added. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste as you go, adding more if you prefer a sweeter taste. You can also choose sweeter apples to enhance the overall sweetness without needing to add extra sugar, making it a healthier option.

What other spices can I add to this recipe?

In addition to cloves and bay leaf, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, aromatic flavor. You could also experiment with a bit of ginger or even some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Just be sure to start with small amounts, as these spices can be quite potent.

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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