Sour Cabbage

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Eastern European

Sour Cabbage offers a tangy, sweet, and savory flavor profile with tender cabbage, apples, and onions, perfect for comforting family meals or as a side dish.

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Ingredients

  • 2 apples
  • 1 onion
  • 1/2 medium head cabbage
  • 2 c. water
  • 1/3 c. brown sugar
  • 1/2 c. vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. butter
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. Chop the apples and onion finely.
  2. In a frying pan, sauté the chopped onion and apples in 2 tablespoons of melted shortening for 10 minutes.
  3. Add the shredded cabbage to the pan.
  4. Gradually add water to keep the mixture steaming, cooking for about 20 minutes until tender.
  5. Once the vegetables are tender, add brown sugar and vinegar, stirring well.
  6. Before serving, season with salt and pepper, and stir in the butter.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter taste, you can substitute one apple with a pear. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of caraway seeds while sautéing. Using red cabbage instead of green can enhance the dish's color and flavor profile. To cut down on the acidity, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

This sour cabbage pairs beautifully with Liz'S Irish Soda Bread for a comforting meal. Serve it alongside roasted meats or as a hearty side to a vegetarian main dish. It can also be enjoyed warm or cold, making it a versatile addition to any table. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, checking for warmth.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sour Cabbage contains roughly 670 calories, with 3g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 842mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

670 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 16.8g 21% DV
Carbs 131.2g 48% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 122.7g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 842.2mg 37% DV
Potassium 552.8mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 190.8mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 25.2mg 28% DV
Calcium 200.5mg 15% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare sour cabbage a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prep or holiday gatherings.

What types of vinegar work best for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for regular vinegar, you can also use apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor or white wine vinegar for added complexity. Each type of vinegar will impart a slightly different taste, so choose based on your preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the butter or substitute it with a plant-based butter or olive oil. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it a great option for vegetarian recipes.

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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