Spiced Red Cabbage
A vibrant, spiced red cabbage dish with tart apple and aromatic seasonings, perfect as a flavorful side for festive or everyday meals, offering a balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the diced red cabbage in a large kettle of boiling salted water and boil for 1 minute.
- Drain the cabbage and return it to the kettle.
- Stir in the chopped onion, quartered apple, tarragon or red wine vinegar, sugar, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cloves.
- Cover the kettle and simmer for 1 hour or until the cabbage is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of apple cider during cooking. If you prefer a sweeter dish, substitute the tart apple with a sweeter variety like Fuji or Gala. You can also use balsamic vinegar in place of tarragon or red wine vinegar for a different taste profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spiced red cabbage as a vibrant side dish to roasted meats or alongside hearty vegetarian meals. It pairs beautifully with Connie'S Easy French Bread for a complete meal. Consider topping with toasted nuts or seeds for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vinegar to maintain moisture. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a tangy salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Red Cabbage contains roughly 138 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, you can substitute green cabbage for red cabbage, though the flavor and color will differ. Green cabbage is milder, so you may want to adjust seasonings to enhance the dish's flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but be sure to check that the sugar used is vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char. You can also enhance the flavor with additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
What are some good dishes to pair with spiced red cabbage?
Spiced red cabbage pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats like pork or poultry. It also complements vegan recipes, making it a versatile side for both meat lovers and plant-based meals.
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).