Description
This Savory-Sweet German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) is a traditional German side dish featuring tender braised red cabbage, tart apples, and warming spices like cloves and bay leaf. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a cozy and flavorful addition to any fall or winter meal.
Ingredients
1 medium head red cabbage, thinly shredded
1 large tart apple (e.g., Granny Smith), peeled and cubed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2–3 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
1–2 tbsp unsalted butter or oil
1 bay leaf
4–6 whole cloves (or ground cloves to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup water (optional, for braising)
Instructions
- Remove tough outer leaves from the red cabbage. Quarter it, remove the core, and thinly shred the leaves.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter (or heat oil) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and cubed apple until well combined.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar and, if needed, the water to aid in braising. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Add the bay leaf and cloves. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavorful.
- Before serving, remove the bay leaf and cloves. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
Add a splash of red wine or port for deeper flavor.
Reduce or skip the sugar for a more savory version.
For a fruity twist, toss in raisins or dried cranberries during cooking.
A pinch of caraway seeds or juniper berries adds traditional flavor.
Cooking onions in bacon fat adds richness.
Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop Braising
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
