Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage with Apples
This delightful dish combines the vibrant color and texture of red cabbage with the natural sweetness of tart apples. A recipe passed down from my mom, it beautifully marries sweet and sour flavors, making it an excellent accompaniment to roasted meats or a stand-alone vegetarian delight. The butter, brown sugar, and a hint of apple cider vinegar create a harmonious balance, while the optional caraway seeds deepen the flavor profile. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this braised red cabbage and apple dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
65
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
onion
1 small (chopped)
red cabbage
1 lb (coarsely shredded)
tart apple
1 (cored and thinly sliced)
apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (none)
dry red wine
1/4 cup (none)
water
1/4 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves into the butter.
2
Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and light in color, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Introduce the shredded cabbage and sliced apples to the skillet. Drizzle in the apple cider vinegar, add a pinch of cayenne, and pour in the dry red wine. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Cover the skillet and let the mixture cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5
After 10 minutes, add the water to the pan and stir everything again. Adjust the lid so that it’s slightly askew. Allow to simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have developed beautifully.
6
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy the warm, flavorful dish as a side or even on its own!
Nutrition Information
2.25g
Fat
8.5g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage with Apples, a vibrant side dish featuring a balance of tart and sweet flavors.
What kind of cabbage should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for one pound of red cabbage, coarsely shredded.
What type of apples are best for this braised cabbage recipe?
Tart apples are recommended for this recipe to provide the best flavor contrast; they should be cored and thinly sliced.
Is this red cabbage recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses butter, vegetables, and fruit without any meat products.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are 65 calories per serving of this braised red cabbage and apple dish.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
The recipe contains 2.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this cabbage dish?
Each serving contains approximately 8.5g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 0.75g of protein per serving.
What liquid is used for braising besides water?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of dry red wine and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for braising.
What kind of sugar is used to sweeten the cabbage?
One tablespoon of packed brown sugar is used to create the sweet element of the dish.
Does this recipe have a spicy kick?
It includes a pinch of cayenne pepper, which adds a subtle hint of heat without making it overly spicy.
How long should I cook the onions?
The chopped onions should be cooked on low heat for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and light in color.
How long does the cabbage need to simmer?
The cabbage should simmer for 30 to 40 minutes with the lid slightly askew until it is tender.
What is the first step in preparing this dish?
The first step is to melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat and dissolve the brown sugar in it.
Can I add other seeds to enhance the flavor?
Yes, the description suggests that optional caraway seeds can be added to deepen the flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for fall gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for fall gatherings and cozy family dinners.
What should I serve with braised red cabbage?
It is an excellent accompaniment to roasted meats or can be served as a stand-alone vegetarian delight.
How should I prepare the onion?
The recipe calls for one small onion to be chopped before being added to the melted butter and sugar.
What is the purpose of the apple cider vinegar?
The apple cider vinegar provides the 'sour' component that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and apples.
Should the skillet be covered during cooking?
The skillet should be fully covered for the first 10 minutes of cooking, and then the lid should be left slightly askew for the final 30-40 minutes.
When do I add the water?
Water is added after the cabbage and apples have cooked covered for the initial 10 minutes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including salt and pepper.
What is the origin of this recipe?
The description mentions that this is a recipe passed down from the author's mom.
What is the texture of the cabbage after cooking?
The cabbage becomes tender after the 30-40 minute simmering process.
Is salt and pepper added at the beginning?
No, salt and pepper are added at the very end to season the dish to taste before serving.
How many grams of fiber are in this recipe?
The fiber content is not specified in the provided nutritional data.
What is the total number of instructions steps?
The recipe is broken down into 6 clear instruction steps.
Can I use white wine instead of red?
The recipe specifies dry red wine, which contributes to the color and depth of the dish, though a dry white wine could be used as a substitute if necessary.
What size should the red cabbage be shredded?
The cabbage should be coarsely shredded rather than finely grated.
How long do I stir the sugar into the butter?
You should stir the brown sugar into the melted butter continuously for about 2 minutes until it dissolves.