Description
Braised Red Cabbage is a flavorful, tender side dish perfect for festive meals or everyday dining. Slowly cooked in the oven with apples, onions, warm spices, and a touch of vinegar, this dish combines sweet and tangy flavors with rich aromatic spices, creating a comforting and colorful accompaniment that pairs wonderfully with meats or hearty vegetarian dishes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables & Fruit
- 500 g red cabbage, sliced finely
- 2 small red onions (or 1 large one), diced finely
- 1 large Bramley apple, diced finely
- 1 clove garlic, diced finely or crushed
Spices & Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 cloves, ground
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Liquids & Fats
- 3 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar
- 10 g butter
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely slice the red cabbage, dice the onions and apple, and finely dice or crush the garlic. Mix together the ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 160°C (140°C fan, gas mark 3, or 325°F) so it’s ready for slow cooking the cabbage.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place about a quarter of the sliced cabbage into the bottom of a large casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle one third of the diced onions, diced apple, garlic, and one third of the spice and sugar mix over the cabbage. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing by topping with the remaining cabbage.
- Add Vinegar and Butter: Pour 3 tablespoons of red or white wine vinegar over the layered vegetables, which helps preserve the cabbage’s vibrant color. Dot the top with approximately 10 grams of butter.
- Cover and Cook: Seal the casserole dish tightly with its lid or foil if a lid is not available. Place it in the preheated oven and braise for 2½ hours, stirring gently twice during the cooking period to help flavors meld and even cooking.
- Serve or Store: Serve the braised red cabbage immediately while warm or allow it to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed within a day or two, making it a convenient make-ahead dish.
Notes
- This dish is a Christmas classic, bringing a sweet and spiced warmth to your holiday table.
- It’s very easy to prepare and is excellent for make-ahead cooking, saving time on busy festive days.
- Use Bramley apples for their tartness which balances the sweetness and spices perfectly.
- The layering of ingredients ensures every bite is packed with flavors.
- Slow braising develops depth in taste and tender texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 43 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 18 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.7 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
