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    Home » Side dishes

    German red cabbage with apples (Rotkohl)

    September 22, 2022 by Caroline's Cooking

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    This braised red cabbage with apples (Rotkohl or Blaukraut) is a classic Germanic side that's a delicious mix of sweet-sour flavors with a mildly aromatic spice. Easy to make and comfortingly tasty.

    This German red cabbage with apples (Rotkohl or Blaukraut) is a classic side that's a delicious mix of sweet-sour flavors with a mildly aromatic spice. It's easy to make and comfortingly tasty.

    Jump to Recipe
    German braised red cabbage in front of pork with sauce and dumpling to side

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    I know for many, Germanic food is not necessarily the easiest to like, apart from maybe the comfort-factor of things like Wiener schnitzel, spaetzle, German pancake soup and Kaiserschmarrn.

    Even for me, and I was brought up visiting Austria ever year or two, I find I need a change after a week or two of traditional foods.

    Many traditional German and Austrian dishes are heavier partly as they came out of the need to sustain a predominantly farmer population. They would burn through a lot of calories working in the fields, so needed hearty meals.

    plate with German braised red cabbage in front of pork with gravy over it

    It can all get a bit heavy if your lifestyle is not exactly matched, though. There are a good number of meat dishes, especially pork, and bready things, but not too many vegetables.

    It's maybe not a completely fair image, and they wouldn't be alone in that trend anyway (hey, I'm from the UK, not exactly known for it's cuisine, although that, too, I think is a little unfair).

    But I think even most Germans would agree that, traditionally at least, there is a bit of a tendency towards only a small range of vegetables. You'll find plenty of potatoes, of course, (like German potato pancakes), then some dishes with mushrooms.

    If there's anything else as a side, you're probably looking at a simple salad, white asparagus, green beans or cabbage.

    cooking red cabbage and apple together in pot

    Braised red cabbage with apples is one of my favorites, and so I was always happy to see it on the menu.

    I don't know if that's partly because it's also something you find in the UK (though maybe slightly different), especially served with a Sunday roast. But I think it's mainly that it's so comforting, gently sweet and with a fragrant spice undertone.

    What goes in traditional German red cabbage?

    You may be most familiar with German-style cabbage in the form of pickled Sauerkraut or as a crunchy salad, but this braised dish is also an incredibly popular side.

    You'll find a few variations in the ingredients, though in general they are pretty simple. Nearly all include a little vinegar which adds a slight sharpness, but also helps to preserve the red color of the cabbage. You can see photos here where I served with sausages and experimented without vinegar - the flavor is less tart but the color doesn't hold as well.

    bowls with red cabbage, orange juice, an apple, part onion and spoons of vinegar and cloves to side

    Most version include some aromatic spice, either cloves, juniper or both which adds a lovely depth. Then as braising liquid, you'll see either juice or red wine used. Apple juice is probably most common but I like orange juice for a little more freshness/fruitiness. Juice in general is my preference as it adds a little sweetness.

    Not all versions include grated apple, but for me it's a must, both for sweetness and flavor. Onion also helps round out the flavor. Some add a little sugar or red currant jelly to balance out the more sour vinegar or wine, if using. Feel free to add half a tablespoon of either at more, if you like.

    The key is to not rush the dish, but cook it low and slow to become nice and tender. It's a great dish for making ahead, as suits. Just store in a container in the fridge and reheat as needed.

    This cabbage dish goes with lots of different meaty mains, such as sausages or roast meats (it mops up the gravy as well!). Roast vegetables pair well too.

    braised red cabbage with apples

    Easy to make, comforting and with a lovely mix of flavors, this braised red cabbage with apples is a classic Germanic side that pairs well with so many dishes. Perfect for an Oktoberfest feast and so much more.

    Make this a meal with these German mains and other sides:

    • Sauerbraten (German pot roast with a wine-based marinade and sauce)
    • Rouladen (beef rolls with bacon, pickles and onion)
    • Schweinebraten (roast pork with a beer-based sauce)
    • Potatoes are common additional sides as well as spaetzle (or even better as a meal alongside bacon onion spaetzle)
    • And for extra veg, try some speckbohnen (green beans) alongside too.
    • Get more ideas in the German recipes archives.
    German braised red cabbage in front of pork with gravy and part view of dumpling to side
    Print Recipe
    4.86 from 7 votes

    German red cabbage with apples (Rotkohl)

    A simple, comforting side dish that goes particularly well with pork. 
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time35 mins
    Total Time40 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: German
    Servings: 3 -4 approx
    Calories: 94kcal
    Author: Caroline's Cooking
    SaveSaved!

    Ingredients

    • ¼ onion
    • 3 ½ cups red cabbage 220g, approx ½ a small cabbage
    • 1 apple or ½ large
    • ½ tablespoon butter 7g or ½tbsp vegetable oil, as you have/prefer
    • 3 cloves or ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
    • ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar or can use apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup orange juice 60ml (4tbsp) or you can use apple cider/cloudy apple juice

    Instructions

    • Dice the onion in a small dice (or you can slice, if you prefer), shred the cabbage relatively finely and peel and grate the apple. 
    • Warm the oil or butter in a pan and add the onion. Cook for a couple minutes until it softens. Add the cabbage, part at a time as needed to help it wilt down a little to create more space, and cook for a couple minutes so it starts to soften, stirring now and then to coat with the butter/oil.  
    • Add the vinegar, cloves and orange juice and mix. Add the apple and mix in well then cover. Reduce the heat and allow it to steam/sweat for around 30 minutes until tender, stirring now and then to make sure it doesn't burn on the bottom. If it gets too dry, add a little water or extra juice.
    • Remove the cloves, if using whole cloves, and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    Some people add up to around ½ - 1 tablespoon sugar or red currant jam towards the end to give it a slightly sweeter edge, and also richness if using the jam. Feel free to add some, to taste.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 376mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1292IU | Vitamin C: 73mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg

    See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

    This post was first shared in September 2017 and has been updated, primarily with new photos and added video.

    Try these other ideas for Oktoberfest:

    • Autumn Crockpot Apple Sauerkraut by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
    • Bierocks by A Day in the Life on the Farm
    • Brombeere-Butterkuchen – Blackberry German Butter Cake by Food Lust People Love
    • Chicken Schnitzel with Dunkelweizen Sauce by Palatable Pastime
    • German meatballs with spaetzle by Cookaholic Wife
    • Nusskämme (German Hazelnut Combs) by Tara’s Multicultural Table

    Remember to pin for later!

    This braised red cabbage with apples (Rotkohl or Blaukraut) is a classic Germanic side that's a delicious mix of sweet-sour flavors with a mildly aromatic spice. Easy to make and comfortingly tasty.
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    1. Amanda

      July 09, 2022 at 6:17 am

      4 stars
      Lovely recipe thank you.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        July 09, 2022 at 9:28 am

        Glad to hear you enjoyed!

        Reply
    2. Danielle

      August 12, 2018 at 3:55 am

      5 stars
      This reminds me of some of the delicious food we ate when we were in Eastern Europe.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        August 13, 2018 at 10:31 pm

        I can imagine it's very similar - this is primarily based on the German way of preparing it but there are similar versions across Eastern Europe as well.

        Reply
    3. Neli Howard

      August 12, 2018 at 2:31 am

      5 stars
      WOW...how deliciously does this look! This is really very tasty. I would love to try this! Thank you.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        August 13, 2018 at 10:31 pm

        Thanks, it's delicious!

        Reply
    4. Natalie

      August 11, 2018 at 10:59 pm

      5 stars
      This braised red cabbage with apples look like the perfect side dish that is simply perfect with anything - so easy to make, healthy and yummy! Can't wait to try this recipe!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        August 13, 2018 at 10:30 pm

        Thanks, enjoy!

        Reply
    5. Natalie

      August 11, 2018 at 10:58 pm

      5 stars
      This red cabbage with apples look like such a great side dish to just about anything - so easy to make, healthy and delicious!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        August 13, 2018 at 10:30 pm

        Thanks, I agree it would go with lots of things.

        Reply
    6. Annemarie

      August 11, 2018 at 6:48 pm

      5 stars
      After traveling to Germany this summer, I'm so ready to try this recipe! I love cabbage in all its forms, and this braised version looks so pretty and flavorful.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        August 13, 2018 at 10:29 pm

        Thanks, it has a lovely flavor and is easy too.

        Reply
    7. Cindy Gordon

      August 11, 2018 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      Such a delicious comfort food! I have always been a lover of braised cabbage!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        August 13, 2018 at 10:28 pm

        Thanks, it really is!

        Reply
    8. Tara

      September 06, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      Such a beautiful plate! Definitely my idea of comfort food. I love the color of that cabbage.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        September 10, 2017 at 8:06 pm

        Thanks, it really is so comforting. And I agree, the color is so pretty!

        Reply
    9. Cookaholic Wife

      September 06, 2017 at 12:34 pm

      I have all of these ingredients on hand right now and planned to use pork later this week. I think I found the recipe I'm making!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        September 10, 2017 at 8:05 pm

        Perfect, hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    10. sneha datar

      September 06, 2017 at 8:04 am

      Great recipe very easy and filling, will definitely try this soon.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        September 10, 2017 at 8:05 pm

        Thanks, hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    11. Wendy Klik

      September 06, 2017 at 7:03 am

      Braised red cabbage is one of my favorites in the Fall. Haven't tried using oj, thanks for the idea Caroline.

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        September 10, 2017 at 8:05 pm

        Thanks, the orange is a nice way to get that sweet-acidic balance in there.

        Reply
    12. Colleen

      September 06, 2017 at 6:59 am

      This has always been one of my favorites too! I especially look forward to it around this time of year!

      Reply
      • Caroline's Cooking

        September 10, 2017 at 8:04 pm

        I can understand why!

        Reply

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