Surkal(Sweet And Sour Red Cabbage)
Surkal is a traditional sweet and sour red cabbage dish with apples and caraway seeds, offering a tangy, savory flavor that pairs well with hearty meals. Perfect for cabbage lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove the core from the cabbage and cut into fine strips.
- Put oleo in a pan and melt it.
- Layer the cabbage and peeled, wedged apples in the pan with flour, caraway seed, and salt.
- Pour broth or water over the layered ingredients.
- Bring to a boil over low heat, keeping the pan tightly covered.
- Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary during cooking.
- Season the dish with vinegar and sugar to taste.
- Cook for approximately 1 to 2 hours until tender and flavorful.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter taste, consider using sweeter apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the flour slightly. You can substitute the oleo with butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. Make sure to taste as you go, adjusting the vinegar and sugar to achieve your desired balance of sweet and sour. This dish can also be enhanced with spices like cinnamon for a warm twist.
Serving Suggestions
Surkal pairs beautifully with roasted meats, especially pork or chicken, making it a perfect side dish for a holiday meal or family gathering. You can also serve it alongside hearty grain dishes or as part of a vegetarian platter. For a sweet treat, consider following it with Jewish Apple Cookies for dessert, creating a delightful meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Surkal(Sweet And Sour Red Cabbage) contains roughly 152 calories, with 7g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value) and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1759mg per serving (76% 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 prepare Surkal in advance?
Absolutely! Surkal can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen after a day, making it a great make-ahead dish. Just reheat it gently before serving, and consider adding a little extra vinegar and sugar to freshen the flavors.
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).