Sweet Sour Braised Red Cabbage with Apples Balsamic Glaze
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bit of braised red cabbage that isn't just boiled to death? This cabbage recipe is my take on a classic.
It's got sweet apples, tangy vinegar, and a balsamic glaze that’ll knock your socks off. Honestly, it's like a warm hug in a bowl.
A Sweet & Sour Cabbage Story
This isn't just any red cabbage recipe . It's kinda got roots in German and Eastern European traditions, you know? Grandma style! But I've given it a little twist.
It’s a dish that’s both comforting and kinda fancy. It's an easy cabbage recipe , perfect for a weeknight but impressive enough for a Sunday roast.
This cabbage side dish serves about 6 people and only takes about 2 hours all-in to get ready.
Why You'll Love This Cabbage Recipe
One of the best things? All the nutrients! Red cabbage is packed with antioxidants, which are super good for you.
This is a vegetarian cabbage recipe . Plus, the sweetness makes it a hit with even the pickiest eaters. The autumn cabbage recipes flavor is fantastic when paired with roasted meats or hearty vegetarian mains.
It’s also a great dish when you need something impressive but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.
I especially love the Dutch oven cabbage recipe , it's super simple and makes my life a lot easier!
Ready to get cooking? Next, we'll get into what we'll need to make this sweet and sour cabbage magic happen.
I also like to use red cabbage with apples , adds a good balance of flavours.
Right then, let's chat about what you'll need to whip up this killer cabbage recipe . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward stuff, nothing too fancy.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Real!
First up, you'll need 1 large red cabbage (about 1.2 kg or 2.6 lbs ). Make sure it's firm and has a good, deep colour.
That's how you know it's fresh. Then grab 2 tbsp (30 ml) of olive oil, and 1 large onion (around 200g/7 oz ).
Two cloves of garlic, minced, will add that lovely aroma.
Don't forget 2 large apples (like Granny Smiths or Braeburns, about 400g/14 oz ). These are crucial for that sweet and sour cabbage vibe.
Peel them, core them, and chop them into chunks. Also, you'll need 1/4 cup (50g/1.8 oz) of packed light brown sugar, 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine vinegar, 1 tsp caraway seeds, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, and 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth.
Salt and pepper to taste, of course. A knob of butter ( 2 tbsp/30g ) is optional, but adds a lovely richness.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Okay, so the spice combo here is magic. The caraway seeds, cinnamon, and cloves give it that autumn cabbage recipes warmth.
The balsamic and red wine vinegars are essential for that cabbage balsamic glaze tang. If you don't have red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch.
Feel free to adjust the sugar and vinegar to your liking. That's what I would consider in this easy cabbage recipe .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
You absolutely need a large Dutch oven or a heavy bottomed pot with a lid. Seriously, don't try this in a flimsy saucepan.
You'll also need a sharp knife and a chopping board. A mandoline is handy for shredding the cabbage super thinly, but not essential.
You know, I remember once trying to make a braised red cabbage recipe without a proper lid. What a disaster! The cabbage dried out, and the flavours were all wrong.
So, trust me, a good lid is key for this Dutch oven cabbage recipe ! And really good broth is a great base for your recipe.
Use that and you will impress!
Let's talk more about the preparation. And how to cook this vegetarian cabbage recipe and a super tasty cabbage side dish .
Alright, let's get this cabbage cracking! I'm sharing my favourite way to cook red cabbage with apples . It's proper lush, honestly.
This isn't just any old cabbage recipe . We're talking sweet and sour cabbage magic, the sort that makes you want seconds (and thirds!).
Prep Power: Cabbage Domination
First things first, mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means get organised. Shred your 1.2kg red cabbage nice and thin.
It cooks better that way. Chop up 2 apples (Granny Smiths are ace). Slice 1 onion thin and mince 2 cloves of garlic .
Weigh out 50g of brown sugar and measure 60ml of balsamic vinegar as well as 120ml of red wine vinegar .
Grab 240ml of vegetable broth . Got it all? Good stuff. Safety first, mind you. Watch your fingers when chopping! I've had a few near misses, you know?
Braised Red Cabbage: step-by-step to Deliciousness
Right, here's the drill, step-by-step:
- Heat 30ml olive oil in your Dutch oven (or big pot).
- Fry sliced onion till soft and see-through for around 5- 7 minutes . Then, whack in garlic for a minute until fragrant. Smells amazing, doesn't it?
- Chuck in chopped apples , 50g brown sugar , 60ml balsamic vinegar , 120ml red wine vinegar , 1 tsp caraway seeds , 1/2 tsp cinnamon , 1/4 tsp cloves and 240ml vegetable broth . Give it a good stir.
- Add your mountain of shredded red cabbage . Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, turn the heat down LOW, cover, and let it braise for 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours. Keep an eye on it. Stir now and then so it doesn't stick. You are making a delicious autumn cabbage recipe .
- Have a taste. Is it missing anything? More sugar? Bit more vinegar? You decide! If you're feeling fancy, stir in 30g butter for extra richness. Serve it up.
Pro Tips: Cabbage Wisdom
Honestly, the key is not rushing. Low and slow wins the race. Also, don't be shy with the vinegar, it cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
And a touch of cabbage balsamic glaze just before serving? Chef's kiss. Common mistake? Overcooking it! You want it tender, not mushy.
Dutch oven cabbage recipe will be cooked to perfection by following these steps!
You can make this a day ahead! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. And for my vegetarian pals, this is a winner of a vegetarian cabbage recipe .
The flavors are incredible! Enjoy.
Recipe Notes
Right then, before you dive into this amazing cabbage recipe , let's chat about a few things. Honestly, these are the bits I wish I knew the first time I made it!
Serving like a Pro
Okay, so presentation matters. Think rustic chic. A simple bowl, maybe a sprig of rosemary if you're feeling fancy. This braised red cabbage looks amazing next to a juicy roast chicken.
For sides, you can't go wrong with some creamy mashed potatoes or even some crusty bread to mop up all that yummy sauce.
And to drink? A nice glass of red wine complements the sweet and sour cabbage perfectly. It really makes the whole dish, you know?
Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries. This cabbage side dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just pop it in an airtight container.
If you fancy making a big batch of this Dutch oven cabbage recipe , you can totally freeze it. Just let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to three months.
Reheating is easy. Either microwave it (quick and dirty) or gently warm it up in a pan on the hob.
Add a splash of water if it looks a bit dry.
Switching it Up
Fancy a change? No sweat. For a vegetarian cabbage recipe , just make sure your broth is veggie friendly. If you are on a diet, replace the sugar by stevia.
For a seasonal twist on these autumn cabbage recipes , try adding some cranberries alongside the apples! Ooh, that would be lovely.
Nutrition Nutshell
Okay, I'm no expert, but this red cabbage with apples is actually pretty good for you. It’s packed with fiber, which is great for your gut.
Plus, red cabbage is full of antioxidants, which are like little superheroes fighting off bad stuff in your body.
So there you have it! A super easy easy cabbage recipe that tastes amazing. Don't be afraid to experiment with it and make it your own.
Honestly, get in the kitchen and whip up this red cabbage recipe with a splash of cabbage balsamic glaze ! You got this, and you're gonna love it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cabbage recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This braised red cabbage is actually even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when you're ready to serve. It's a proper "batch cook" champion!
How do I store leftover braised red cabbage?
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge. You can also freeze it for longer storage, though the texture might be a little softer after thawing.
Think of it like a Sunday roast - just as good (or better!) the next day as a leftover sandwich!
Is there a way to make this cabbage recipe vegan?
Yes, making this braised red cabbage vegan is easy peasy! Simply ensure that your vegetable broth is vegan friendly and omit the butter at the end. You can add a tablespoon of olive oil instead for a similar richness. It's like swapping out the milk in your cuppa no biggie!
What other ingredients can I add to this cabbage recipe to jazz it up?
Fancy adding a bit of pizzazz? Some popular additions include a handful of dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and chewiness. You could also throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
If you're feeling adventurous, a splash of port wine or sherry towards the end of cooking adds a lovely depth of flavour. Think of it as putting your own spin on a classic tune!
I don't have all the vinegars listed. Can I substitute them in this cabbage recipe?
Of course! If you're missing an ingredient, a good substitute for red wine vinegar is apple cider vinegar, though it'll impart a slightly different flavour. For the balsamic vinegar, a small amount of lemon juice or another tablespoon of red wine vinegar can work in a pinch.
The vinegars are key to cutting through the sweetness, so don't skip them altogether. It's like needing the gravy for your bangers and mash it just wouldn't be the same without it!
Sweet Sour Braised Red Cabbage With Apples Balsa
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 8g |
