Savory Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Bratwurst
This comforting dish combines the sweet and tangy flavors of braised red cabbage with tart apples, complemented by juicy bratwurst and hearty new potatoes. The rendered bacon fat adds a rich depth, while the caraway seeds and cider vinegar provide aromatic undertones, creating a deliciously warm meal that's perfect for chilly evenings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this one-dish meal has become a staple in our kitchen, satisfying both friends and family alike.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
rendered bacon fat
4 tablespoons (melted)
sugar
2 tablespoons (granulated)
yellow onion
1 small (chopped)
shredded red cabbage
4 cups (about 1/2 of a medium-sized head)
tart apples
2 (cored and sliced thin, not peeled (e.g., Jonathans))
caraway seed
1/2 teaspoon
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons
bratwurst
1 - 1 1/2 lb (or German style smoked sausage links)
new potato
1 lb
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
beer
1 cup (for cooking (not for drinking))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the rendered bacon fat over medium heat. Once melted, add the sugar and cook while stirring frequently until the sugar turns a deep golden brown, about 4 minutes.
2
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is golden and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes.
3
Stir in the shredded red cabbage, sliced apples, caraway seeds, and cider vinegar. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Carefully lay the bratwurst links and new potatoes on top of the cabbage mixture.
5
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then pour the beer evenly over everything in the skillet.
6
Increase the heat to medium-high until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to cook through.
7
After cooking, taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Bratwurst?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that combines sweet and tangy flavors of braised red cabbage with tart apples, bratwurst, and new potatoes.
What type of cabbage should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of shredded red cabbage, which is approximately half of a medium-sized head.
What is the fat source used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat to add a rich depth of flavor.
How do I prepare the sugar for the base?
Melt the bacon fat and cook 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar for about 4 minutes until it turns a deep golden brown.
What kind of onion is required?
You should use one small yellow onion, chopped and sautéed until golden.
How should the apples be prepared?
Use 2 tart apples, cored and sliced thin. Do not peel them before adding to the skillet.
Which apple variety is recommended?
Tart apples like Jonathans are specifically recommended for this dish.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
You can use 1 to 1.5 lbs of bratwurst or German-style smoked sausage links.
How many potatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of new potatoes.
What role does cider vinegar play?
Two tablespoons of cider vinegar provide the necessary tangy acidity to balance the sweetness of the sugar and apples.
Are there specific spices used?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of caraway seeds is used to provide aromatic undertones common in German cuisine.
Do I need beer for this recipe?
Yes, 1 cup of beer is poured over the ingredients to help them braise and meld flavors.
How long does the dish need to cook?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, cover it and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed as a convenient one-dish meal that is easy to prepare.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 17.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does it provide?
Each serving contains 12.5g of protein.
Can I use different sausages?
Yes, while bratwurst is traditional, any German-style smoked sausage links will work.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Melt the bacon fat over medium heat and brown the sugar until it is a deep golden color.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped yellow onion for 6 to 8 minutes until it becomes fragrant and golden.
When do I add the bratwurst and potatoes?
Lay them on top of the cabbage and apple mixture before adding the seasonings and beer.
Do I need to peel the tart apples?
No, the recipe specifies that the apples should be sliced thin but not peeled.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low for the 45-minute simmer.
Is this recipe suitable for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a warm meal perfect for chilly evenings and autumn.
How do I finish the dish?
After 45 minutes of cooking, taste and adjust the salt and pepper seasonings before serving.
What kind of vinegar is used?
Cider vinegar is used to provide the signature sweet-and-sour profile of the braised cabbage.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, both are added to taste during the preparation process.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients including the seasonings and cooking liquid.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized under German cuisine.