Rot Kraut(Red Cabbage)
A vibrant and tangy red cabbage dish with apples and spices, perfect as a flavorful side for hearty meals and suitable for those who enjoy sweet-savory combinations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chopped onion in oil or margarine.
- Add shredded red cabbage and cook until wilted.
- Pour in 1 cup water and add all other ingredients including peeled and diced sour apples, bay leaves, cloves, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 70 to 90 minutes.
- Before serving, stir in sugar and wine vinegar to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of apple cider or replace sour apples with tart apples like Granny Smith. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cabbage works well. Also, for a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This dish can be made in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully, much like Aunt Jane Ashe's German Slaw.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rot Kraut as a side dish with roasted meats, particularly pork or duck, for a classic pairing. It complements dishes like Pork Loin Marinade beautifully. You can also serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. This dish also tastes great cold, making it a versatile side.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rot Kraut(Red Cabbage) contains roughly 805 calories, with 12g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), and iron (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1042mg per serving (45% 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 you can substitute green cabbage, the flavor and color will be different. Red cabbage brings a sweeter taste and vibrant hue to the dish. If you're looking for a slightly different take, try mixing both cabbages.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, to make Rot Kraut vegan, simply use vegetable oil instead of margarine and ensure that your sugar is vegan-friendly. The flavor profile will still be rich and satisfying without any animal products.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar or using sweeter apples. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, you can reduce the sugar or add a bit more vinegar to balance it out.
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).