Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage with Bacon
This Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage dish is a traditional German side that beautifully marries the flavors of crispy bacon, tart apples, and fragrant bay leaves. Perfectly seasoned, it offers a delightful contrast of sweet and sour notes, making it an ideal accompaniment to hearty dishes such as Rinderroulade and potato dumplings. The slow cooking process allows the cabbage to absorb all the delicious flavors, resulting in a vibrant, tender dish that is even better when enjoyed the next day.
8
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
red cabbage
1 (shredded)
bacon
1 lb (chopped)
onions
2-3 (chopped)
olive oil
to taste (for shine)
apples
4-5 (cut into 1/2-1 inch pieces)
vinegar or lemon juice
to taste
sugar
approx. 3 tbsp
bay leaves
6 (broken in half)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped bacon and onions. Sauté until the bacon is crispy and the onions are translucent, stirring frequently.
2
Add the shredded red cabbage, chopped apples, and broken bay leaves to the pot, mixing well to combine with the bacon and onions.
3
Sprinkle approximately 3 tablespoons of sugar over the cabbage mixture. Stir well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.
4
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5
Once the cabbage is tender and fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Adjust the seasoning with vinegar or lemon juice to taste, mixing well.
6
Let the dish cool and allow the flavors to meld. For the best taste, refrigerate overnight and serve warm the following day, as it enhances the flavors.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Sour Braised Red Cabbage with Bacon?
It is a traditional German side dish that combines shredded red cabbage with crispy bacon, tart apples, and a balance of sweet and sour seasonings.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include red cabbage, bacon, onions, olive oil, apples, vinegar or lemon juice, sugar, and bay leaves.
How long does the cabbage need to simmer?
The cabbage should be simmered gently on low heat for approximately 2 to 3 hours.
What type of cabbage should be used?
One head of red cabbage, shredded, is used for this specific recipe.
How much bacon is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of chopped bacon.
How many onions are needed?
You will need 2 to 3 chopped onions for this dish.
How many apples are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 to 5 apples, cut into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces.
What is the purpose of adding bay leaves?
Six broken bay leaves are added to provide fragrance and depth of flavor during the slow cooking process.
How much sugar is used in this recipe?
Approximately 3 tablespoons of sugar are sprinkled over the cabbage mixture.
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?
Yes, you can use either vinegar or lemon juice to taste to provide the sour element of the dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 22.5g of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 5g of protein.
At what heat should the bacon and onions be cooked?
Sauté the bacon and onions over medium heat until the bacon is crispy.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, the pot should be covered while the mixture simmers for 2 to 3 hours.
Why is olive oil used in this recipe?
A splash of olive oil is used for sautéing and to give the finished dish a nice shine.
Is it better to eat this dish immediately or later?
It is best enjoyed the next day after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator.
What are traditional side dishes to serve with this?
It is traditionally served with Rinderroulade and potato dumplings.
When should I add the vinegar or lemon juice?
Add the vinegar or lemon juice at the end, after the cabbage is tender and fully cooked.
What texture should the bacon have?
The bacon should be sautéed until it is crispy before adding the other ingredients.
How should the apples be prepared?
Apples should be chopped into pieces ranging from 1/2 to 1 inch in size.
Do I need to stir the cabbage while it cooks?
Yes, stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is a balance of sweet and sour with savory notes from the bacon.
Is this a German recipe?
Yes, it is categorized as a traditional German vegetable side dish.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
The cabbage should be shredded before being added to the pot.
Can I serve this dish warm?
Yes, it should be served warm, especially after being reheated the next day.
What happens to the cabbage during slow cooking?
The slow cooking allows the cabbage to become tender and absorb all the seasonings and bacon fats.
Should I break the bay leaves?
Yes, the instructions suggest breaking the 6 bay leaves in half before adding them.