Rotkohl(Red Cabbage)

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: German

A vibrant red cabbage dish with sweet and tangy flavors from apples, vinegar, and sugar, perfect as a side for holiday meals or hearty winter dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 1 apple, peeled and sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 4 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 to 4 Tbsp sugar or apple jelly
  • 1 or 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 Tbsp flour

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet or pot.
  2. Add the peeled and sliced apple along with the sliced onion.
  3. Cook until the apple and onion are soft.
  4. Add the shredded red cabbage to the skillet.
  5. Stir to blend all ingredients well.
  6. Pour in the vinegar, add sugar or apple jelly, minced garlic, and red wine.
  7. Cover and cook until the cabbage is tender, about 12 minutes.
  8. In a small bowl, mix the flour with a little of the cooking liquid to make a paste.
  9. Stir the flour mixture into the cabbage and cook until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter taste, you can substitute sugar with apple jelly or adjust to your preference. If you want a tangier flavor, try using balsamic vinegar instead of regular vinegar. Adding spices like cloves or nutmeg can enhance the dish's warmth. For a vegetarian version, ensure the red wine is vegan-friendly. Pairing this dish with roasted meats enhances its flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rotkohl warm as a side dish with your favorite meats, such as roasted pork or duck. It pairs beautifully with Garlic Grits(Vegetables) for a hearty meal. This dish can also be served cold as part of a vegetarian spread, complementing dishes like Spanish Salad or Onion And Cucumber Dip for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Rotkohl can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or red wine to prevent sticking. It can also be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Rotkohl(Red Cabbage) contains roughly 520 calories, with 13g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 819mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

520 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.7g 25% DV
Total Fat 11.7g 15% DV
Carbs 87.5g 32% DV
Fiber 9.8g 35% DV
Sugar 17.6g 35% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 819.2mg 36% DV
Potassium 883.1mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 11.3mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 38.2mg 42% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 141.8mg 11% DV
Iron 5.6mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 Rotkohl in advance?

Yes, Rotkohl can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, the flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier. Simply reheat it before serving, adding a bit of water or wine to keep it moist.

What can I use instead of red wine?

If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or unsweetened grape juice for a similar flavor profile. Just be aware that this will slightly alter the taste.

Is it possible to freeze Rotkohl?

Yes, you can freeze Rotkohl for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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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