Tangy Spiced Red Cabbage with Apple
Elevate your dining experience with this delightful Tangy Spiced Red Cabbage with Apple. Combining the vibrant hue of red cabbage with the sweetness of tart apples, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, enhanced by the tanginess of red wine vinegar and a medley of aromatic spices. Ideal as a side dish for roasted meats, this recipe allows for a buttery richness or the savory addition of chopped bacon, making it versatile for any occasion. Whether you are preparing a festive meal or a simple dinner, this sweet and sour cabbage dish is sure to impress your guests and family alike.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Cabbage
1 (cored and finely shredded or chopped)
Butter or Bacon
4 tablespoons or 4 slices (butter melted or bacon chopped and sautéed)
Tart Apple
1 (cored, peeled, and finely chopped)
Small Onion
1 (peeled and chopped)
Granulated Sugar
1/3 cup
Red Wine Vinegar
1/3 cup
Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Caraway Seed
1/2 teaspoon
Ground Allspice
1/4 teaspoon
Ground Cloves
1/4 teaspoon
Ground Ginger
1/4 teaspoon
Ground Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon
Sea Salt
to taste (freshly ground)
White Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
If you choose to halve the recipe, remember to use 8 teaspoons (equivalent to 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons) of sugar and vinegar. You can shred or chop the cabbage using a food processor for ease.
2
Start by coring and finely shredding or chopping the red cabbage.
3
Next, peel and core the apple, then chop it into small pieces. Set aside.
4
Peel and chop the small onion, ensuring it’s evenly diced for a uniform cook.
5
If using fresh lemons, squeeze enough to yield 2 tablespoons of juice. Bottled lemon juice is also acceptable if you prefer.
6
In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. If you're opting for bacon, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy, then use the fat to sauté the cabbage.
7
Once the butter is melted (or the bacon is cooked), add the shredded cabbage to the pan. Sauté until it begins to soften, stirring often.
8
Add the chopped apple, onion, and granulated sugar, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
9
Stir in the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, caraway seeds, allspice, ground cloves, ground ginger, cinnamon, and season with salt and white pepper to taste.
10
Cover the pan and reduce heat to low, letting it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
11
After 30 minutes, check the flavors and adjust the seasoning as desired. This side pairs beautifully with pork or beef dishes.
12
Serve warm and enjoy the harmony of sweet and sour flavors!
Nutrition Information
6
Fat
21
Carbs
1.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Spiced Red Cabbage with Apple?
It is a vibrant side dish that balances the sweetness of tart apples with the tanginess of red wine vinegar and aromatic spices.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include red cabbage, tart apple, onion, granulated sugar, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, butter or bacon, and a blend of spices.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply use 4 tablespoons of butter instead of bacon fat to keep the dish vegetarian.
How do I prepare the red cabbage?
The red cabbage should be cored and then finely shredded or chopped before cooking.
Is it okay to use a food processor for the cabbage?
Yes, using a food processor can make shredding or chopping the cabbage much easier and faster.
What type of apple is recommended?
A tart apple is recommended to provide a crisp flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar.
How do I incorporate bacon into this recipe?
Cook 4 slices of chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy, then use the rendered fat to sauté the cabbage instead of using butter.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, you can halve the recipe. If you do, use 8 teaspoons of sugar and 8 teaspoons of red wine vinegar.
How much sugar and vinegar should I use for a half-portion?
Use 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons (which equals 8 teaspoons) of both granulated sugar and red wine vinegar.
What spices are used for the seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with caraway seeds, ground allspice, ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon.
How long does the cabbage need to simmer?
The cabbage should be covered and simmered on low heat for approximately 30 minutes.
What should I serve with this red cabbage dish?
It pairs beautifully as a side dish for roasted meats, particularly pork or beef dishes.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
This recipe contains 21 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 1.5 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, bottled lemon juice is an acceptable substitute for fresh lemon juice if preferred.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
Red wine vinegar is recommended for its specific tanginess and color.
Do I need to peel the apple?
Yes, the recipe suggests the apple should be cored, peeled, and finely chopped.
Should the pan be covered during simmering?
Yes, covering the pan helps the cabbage soften properly and keeps the moisture in while it simmers for 30 minutes.
How do I prevent the cabbage from sticking to the pan?
Stir the mixture occasionally while it is simmering on low heat to ensure it does not stick.
What size saucepan is needed?
A 2-quart saucepan is the ideal size for this recipe.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Yes, its vibrant color and festive spice profile make it perfect for Thanksgiving or other holiday meals.
Can I use white pepper?
Yes, the recipe calls for seasoning with sea salt and white pepper to taste.
What is the texture of the onion?
The onion should be peeled and chopped evenly to ensure a uniform cook throughout the dish.
How much caraway seed is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of caraway seeds.
How much cinnamon is in the dish?
Only a small amount is needed: 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Is this dish served warm or cold?
This dish is best served warm to enjoy the full harmony of its sweet and sour flavors.
What kind of salt should I use?
Freshly ground sea salt is recommended to season the dish to your preference.
How many grams of allspice are used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice.