Description
Colorful German red cabbage brings nostalgic European flavors to your dinner table. Tangy sweet notes dance with tender braised cabbage, creating a classic side dish that connects heritage and home cooking with delicious simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lb (907 g) red cabbage, shredded
- 1 lb (454 g) onions, chopped
- 1 lb (454 g) apples, chopped small
Spices and Seasonings:
- 14 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 14 teaspoons ground cloves
- 14 whole nutmeg, grated
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 g) butter
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 3 tablespoons wine vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a low and slow temperature of 150°C (300°F), preparing for a gentle, flavor-melding cooking process.
- Create alternating layers in a sturdy casserole dish, strategically placing red cabbage, crisp apples, aromatic onions, and pungent garlic.
- Sprinkle each layer with a delicate balance of sugar, warming spices, salt, and freshly ground pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Continue layering until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
- Dot the surface with small pieces of butter, which will melt and infuse richness into the dish.
- Drizzle vinegar across the top to introduce a tangy counterpoint to the sweet and savory elements.
- Securely cover the casserole to trap moisture and concentrate flavors during the extended cooking time.
- Bake for approximately 2 hours, gently stirring once or twice to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- During the final 20-30 minutes, remove the cover to allow slight caramelization and develop a golden-brown surface.
- Taste and fine-tune the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve the vibrant dish warm, showcasing the tender cabbage and harmonious blend of ingredients.
Notes
- Slice cabbage and apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Balance sweetness by using tart apples like Granny Smith, which complement the rich, caramelized flavors during slow baking.
- Experiment with alternative vinegars such as apple cider or balsamic for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Make this dish vegan-friendly by substituting butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine, maintaining the recipe’s rich, comforting essence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg