Red Cabbage(German)
A flavorful German-style red cabbage dish with tender shredded cabbage, sweet and tangy apples, and a hint of vinegar, perfect as a side for hearty meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shred the red cabbage thinly.
- Brown diced onion and apples (with peel) in a large pot with bacon drippings or vegetable oil.
- Cook slowly until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add shredded cabbage, salt, sugar, and vinegar to the pot.
- Cook over low heat until the cabbage is tender.
- Check and adjust seasoning before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
Choose tart apples like Granny Smith or McIntosh for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. If you don't have bacon drippings, olive oil works well as a substitute. For added depth, consider throwing in some caraway seeds or a splash of apple juice. Adjust the sugar based on the tartness of your apples to achieve your desired sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this red cabbage alongside roasted meats, particularly pork recipes, for a delicious contrast. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like Belgian Meatballs or Ham And Cheese Pie(Swedish Pie). For a complete meal, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or a crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover red cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or apple cider to prevent sticking. It can also be reheated in the microwave, covered, in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Cabbage(German) contains roughly 196 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2017mg per serving (88% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this red cabbage dish can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve after sitting overnight. Just reheat gently before serving, and it will maintain its taste and texture.
What type of vinegar works best for this recipe?
Apple cider vinegar is ideal for this red cabbage recipe as it complements the apples and adds a mild tartness. However, white wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar can work if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze leftover red cabbage?
Yes, you can freeze red cabbage. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will last for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy it later.
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).