Sweet and Tangy Braised Red Cabbage with Apples
Discover the vibrant flavors of this Sweet and Tangy Braised Red Cabbage with Apples, a delightful side dish perfect for any meal. This recipe combines the earthiness of red cabbage with the sweetness of honey and tartness of Granny Smith apples, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The addition of bacon (or vegetable oil for a vegetarian option) adds a savory depth, while the caraway seeds and cloves bring warmth and aromatic notes to the dish. Perfect for holiday feasts or as a comforting addition to your weeknight dinner, this braised cabbage dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
6
Servings
53
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red cabbage
1 (small-medium head, thinly shredded)
Bacon or vegetable oil
2 slices or 1 tablespoon (chopped (if using bacon))
Onion
1 (small, chopped)
Tart apple
1 (such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and sliced)
Honey
2 tablespoons (none)
Apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Caraway seeds
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Whole cloves
2 (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by thinly shredding the red cabbage and soaking it in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes to crisp it and remove excess salt if necessary.
2
While the cabbage is soaking, chop the bacon (if using) and onion finely.
3
Peel, core, and slice the tart apple into thin wedges.
4
In a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped bacon or vegetable oil. If using bacon, cook until browned and crispy, then remove excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
5
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes golden and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6
Pour in the apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
7
Stir in the honey, sliced apple, salt, caraway seeds, bay leaf, and whole cloves. Mix well to incorporate all the flavors.
8
Gradually drain the soaked cabbage and add it to the pot in handfuls, stirring gently as you go until the cabbage wilts slightly and is mixed with the other ingredients.
9
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the cabbage braise gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. If there is leftover liquid, allow the cabbage to continue cooking until it absorbs most of it but remains juicy.
10
Once the cabbage is tender and flavorful, discard the bay leaf and cloves before serving. Enjoy this dish warm or at room temperature as a delicious complement to your meal.
Nutrition Information
1.67g
Fat
9.17g
Carbs
0.83g
Protein
1.67g
Fiber
3.33g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet and Tangy Braised Red Cabbage with Apples?
It is a vibrant side dish that combines shredded red cabbage, tart Granny Smith apples, honey, and aromatic spices like caraway and cloves, braised until tender.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, if you use vegetable oil instead of bacon, this recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 53 calories.
Why do I need to soak the cabbage in cold water?
Soaking the cabbage for about 20 minutes helps to crisp it and can remove excess salt if the cabbage was pre-treated.
What type of apple is best for this recipe?
A tart apple like Granny Smith is recommended to provide a balance to the sweetness of the honey.
How long does it take to braise the cabbage?
The cabbage should be braised gently on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, this dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
What spices are used for the aromatic profile?
The recipe uses caraway seeds, a bay leaf, and whole cloves to provide warmth and depth.
What should I do with the whole spices before serving?
You should discard the bay leaf and the two whole cloves once the cabbage is tender and before serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 1.67g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving has about 9.17g of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in this dish?
There is 3.33g of sugar per serving.
What is the protein content?
This side dish provides 0.83g of protein per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it provides 1.67g of fiber per serving.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
Apple cider vinegar is used to deglaze the pan and add a tangy flavor profile.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Chop two slices of bacon and cook them until browned and crispy, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be small and finely chopped, then sautéed until golden and fragrant.
What do I do if there is too much liquid after braising?
Allow the cabbage to continue cooking uncovered or partially covered until it absorbs most of the liquid while remaining juicy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the cabbage, bacon or oil, onion, apple, and spices.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
With only 53 calories and low fat, it is a healthy vegetable-based side dish.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This recipe is associated with German cuisine.
Can I use honey as a sweetener?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of honey.
How should I slice the apple?
The apple should be peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is thinly shredding the red cabbage and soaking it in cold water.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Pour in the apple cider vinegar and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
Can I make this for the holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday recipe and is perfect for festive feasts.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is the serving size specified?
The recipe makes 6 servings, though the specific weight per serving is not provided.
How do I add the cabbage to the pot?
Add the drained cabbage gradually in handfuls, stirring gently until it wilts slightly.