Bavarian Sweet and Sour Cabbage Delight
This Bavarian-inspired sweet and sour cabbage dish is a cherished family recipe that has been passed down through generations. Each bite brings back fond memories of summer picnics and festive gatherings with loved ones. The vibrant red cabbage is perfectly balanced by the smoky richness of bacon, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, and a tangy kick from cider vinegar, creating a deliciously unique flavor profile. Serve it warm as a side dish to complement roasted meats or enjoy it on its own for a comforting vegetarian option.
4-6
Servings
50
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
shredded red cabbage
5 cups (shredded)
bacon
4 slices (chopped)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (n/a)
flour
2 tablespoons (n/a)
water
1/2 cup (n/a)
cider vinegar
1/3 cup (n/a)
salt
to taste (n/a)
pepper
to taste (n/a)
small onion
1 (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the shredded red cabbage in a large pot of boiling water for about 8-10 minutes, until tender. Once cooked, drain the cabbage and set it aside.
2
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
3
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
4
Sprinkle the brown sugar and flour into the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
5
Gradually pour in the water and cider vinegar, mixing continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil, and cook until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
6
Stir in the cooked bacon and drained cabbage, mixing until well combined. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
7
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional brown sugar and vinegar if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
6g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bavarian Sweet and Sour Cabbage Delight?
It is a Bavarian-inspired side dish featuring red cabbage, crispy bacon, and a tangy-sweet sauce made from cider vinegar and brown sugar.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe serves between 4 and 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include shredded red cabbage, bacon, brown sugar, flour, water, cider vinegar, and a small onion.
How do I prepare the red cabbage?
Shred the cabbage and boil it in a large pot of water for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes tender, then drain it.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
While the recipe includes bacon for smoky richness, the description notes it can be enjoyed as a comforting vegetarian option by omitting the bacon and using a vegetarian fat for sautéing.
How much bacon is required?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of chopped bacon.
What type of vinegar is used for the tangy flavor?
Cider vinegar is used to provide the signature tangy kick.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
Is there any flour in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of flour are used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
How long should the cabbage be boiled?
The cabbage should be boiled for approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
What is the purpose of the brown sugar?
Brown sugar provides a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
How should the onion be cooked?
One small chopped onion should be sautéed in the bacon fat until it is soft and translucent.
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Red cabbage is recommended for its vibrant color and specific flavor profile characteristic of Bavarian cuisine.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 2g of fat per serving.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of water.
Do I need to drain the cabbage?
Yes, once the cabbage is tender after boiling, it must be drained before being added to the sauce.
How do I thicken the sweet and sour sauce?
Combine the flour and brown sugar with the sautéed onions, then gradually add water and cider vinegar and bring to a boil until thickened.
What are good pairings for this dish?
It is traditionally served warm as a side dish for roasted meats.
Can the seasoning be adjusted?
Yes, you can adjust the salt, pepper, sugar, or vinegar at the end of cooking to suit your personal taste.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving contains 1g of protein.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a Vegetable dish and is associated with German cuisine.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe specifies using one small onion.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a festive dish and is great for gatherings and picnics.
How much shredded cabbage is needed in total?
You will need 5 cups of shredded red cabbage.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
The recipe recommends serving the cabbage warm.
How is the bacon prepared?
The bacon is chopped and cooked over medium heat until crispy before being drained on paper towels.
Can I add extra vinegar?
Yes, if you prefer a stronger tangy kick, you can adjust the amount of cider vinegar to your liking.
Is the cabbage cooked twice?
The cabbage is first boiled to soften it and then heated through a second time once mixed with the sauce.