Sweet & Tangy Braised Red Cabbage with Apples & Balsamic

Right, let's dive into some proper red cabbage recipes , shall we? honestly, nothing beats a good, home-cooked side dish, especially when it's got that sweet and tangy thing going on.

You know? like, it just elevates the whole meal.

Sweet & Tangy Braised Red Cabbage Magic

Ever wonder where that gorgeous braised red cabbage you get at christmas comes from? well, this version is inspired by the classic german and british ways of doing things.

It's a beautiful veggie side dishes. we are just gonna add a cheeky balsamic glaze! this recipe is all about balancing flavours.

The sweet cabbage and apples. offsetting it with the zingy vinegar. honestly, it’s divine.

It is an easy recipe that’ll take about two hours tops. you get about 6-8 servings, perfect for a sunday roast or even a boxing day spread.

Trust me, it's worth the wait!

Why This Cabbage Rocks

So, what's so special about this cabbage recipe ? first off, red cabbage is packed with goodness. we're talking antioxidants galore! it's also perfect for any roast dinner .

Especially around christmas. it brings a pop of colour and flavour. plus, the balsamic glaze just makes it feel a bit fancy, you know? like you've actually made an effort.

On the subject of christmas, have you ever heard that christmas red cabbage is a traditional dish served in many european countries during the holiday season? this dish is often associated with warmth, comfort, and festive cheer.

If your after a simple recipe or looking for cabbage recipes this is a fantastic starting point!

Now, to make all this deliciousness, you’ll need the following ingredients.

Alright, let’s talk about what you actually need to whip up some amazing red cabbage recipes . Don't worry, it's not rocket science, promise!

Sweet & Tangy Braised Red Cabbage with Apples & Balsamic Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:01 Hrs 30 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 large red cabbage (approximately 2 lbs / 900g), quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and diced (approx 1.5 cups diced)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (approx 1 cup sliced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider or apple juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth, if needed

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened and translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
• Add the sliced red cabbage and diced apples to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions.
• Pour in the red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and apple cider/juice. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, pepper, cloves (if using), and bay leaf.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot tightly and braise for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally, adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture becomes too dry.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or brown sugar to your liking. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
• Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs (optional) and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:175

Fat:8g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:German

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

Honestly, getting your ingredients sorted is half the battle. Let's break it down, shall we?

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Right, so for this Sweet & Tangy Braised Red Cabbage with Apples & Balsamic recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 large red cabbage (about 2 lbs / 900g ), sliced thinly. Now, good cabbage should be firm and have a vibrant colour. Avoid any that look bruised or sad.
• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Braeburn work great). Roughly 1.5 cups diced. These should be firm and slightly tart.
• 1 large yellow onion , thinly sliced (about 1 cup ). No tears, please!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil .
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter .
• 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar . Adds a real zing.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar . The star of the show for that amazing tang.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider or apple juice.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar , packed. Gives it that lovely sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon salt , or to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper , or to taste.
• 1 bay leaf . Adds depth of flavour.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds a nice warmth).
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth, if needed.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!

So, red cabbage recipes aren’t just about the cabbage, you know? It's the magic of the seasonings.

A good combo is salt, pepper, and a touch of sweetness. cloves are optional, but they do add a christmas-y vibe.

Talking of christmas red cabbage , eh? and don't forget the bay leaf! it's subtle but crucial.

If you're out of red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar works fine. For extra flavour, a splash of balsamic glaze at the end is chefs kiss!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Right, no need for fancy gadgets! You'll need:

• A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. This is ESSENTIAL.
• Cutting board.
• Chef's knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Don't have a dutch oven? a large, heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid will do the trick. see? easy peasy! it may not be a german red cabbage recipe , but is still tasty.

Now, get cooking!

Sweet & Tangy Braised Red Cabbage Recipes with Apples & Balsamic

Fancy something proper tasty? this braised red cabbage recipes is a game changer. i've nicked bits from german and british recipes.

It’s veggy side dishes that’ll blow your socks off. sweetness, tang, all in one pot!

Prep Steps

First things first, the mise en place . Get everything chopped and ready. Trust me, it makes life easier. It's a total pain when you get halfway through and realize you haven't chopped the onions! I hate that!

• Slice your red cabbage thin. About 900g will do nicely.
• Dice two apples. Granny Smiths are ace.
• Slice one large onion.
• Safety bit: Watch your fingers when chopping! Seriously!

Step-by-Step Process

Right, let’s get cooking!

1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a big pot.
2. Chuck in the onion. Cook until soft, about 5- 7 minutes .
3. Add the red cabbage and apples. Stir well.
4. Pour in 60ml red wine vinegar , 60ml balsamic, and 60ml apple cider.
5. Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and cloves.
6. Simmer on low for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours , covered.
7. Give it a taste. More salt or sugar if needed?
8. Serve hot with a sprinkle of thyme.

Pro Tips

Want to take it up a notch? Here’s the good stuff:

• Low and slow is key. Don’t rush it. Think slow cooking Sunday roast!
• Acid is your friend. It makes the colour pop!
• Make it ahead. It tastes even better the next day. Honest!

This braised red cabbage is fantastic with a roast dinner . It's also great as Christmas Red Cabbage . Honestly, it’s a winner. Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Okay, here's a section on recipe notes, written just like I'm chatting with you, my mate!

Recipe Notes: Let's Get This Braised Red Cabbage Right!

So, you're about to dive into making this amazing sweet & tangy braised red cabbage with apples & balsamic? ace! honestly, red cabbage recipes can be a bit hit or miss, but trust me, this one's a winner.

I've made it loads of times, and even my nan, who's a proper food critic, loves it!

Serving It Up: Plating & Pairings, Sorted!

Right, presentation time! none of that slop-it-on-the-plate nonsense. a nice spoonful next to your roast dinner looks fab. or, you know, a wee ramekin on the side.

This red cabbage is brilliant with roast pork or even some duck. it's also a total game-changer with sausages and mash.

And don’t forget the gravy. it is amazing with apple cider vinegar red cabbage and gravy

As for drinks, a crisp apple cider or a decent red wine goes down a treat.

Storage Savvy: Keepin' It Fresh!

Leftovers? lucky you! pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing? yep, you can! just let it cool completely first. to reheat, either microwave it (easy peasy!) or gently warm it in a pan.

It’ll taste just as delish.

Mixing It Up: Variations Galore

Fancy a change? add some dried cranberries for a christmasy vibe, turning it into a festive christmas red cabbage . or, if you're going veggie, just swap the butter for vegan butter or a bit more olive oil.

Easy peasy! want a german twist? a little more apple cider vinegar red cabbage makes it proper german red cabbage recipe .

I once even added a splash of gin. don't tell anyone!

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, let's get real for a sec. this dish is tasty, but it’s good for you, too! it's packed with fiber thanks to all that cabbage recipes goodness which is great for your gut.

You also get vitamins from the red cabbage and apples. think of it as a delicious way to get one of your five-a-day! each serving has around 150-200 calories, but that is just an estimate.

Right, that's your lot! don't be scared to have a go at this, even if you think of braised red cabbage as a bit daunting.

It's easier than you think, and honestly, it's so worth it! get stuck in, and let me know how it goes!