This braised red cabbage with apples is a classic Germanic side that’s a delicious combination of gently sweet and mildly aromatic spice. Easy to make and comfortingly tasty.
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. But I know even I who was brought up visiting Austria ever year or two find I need a change after a week or two. It can all get a bit heavy. There are a good number of meat, especially pork, dishes and bready things, but not too many vegetables.
It’s maybe not completely fair, 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 a little unfair). But there is a bit of a tendency towards only a few vegetables – potatoes of course (like German potato pancakes), mushrooms, white asparagus, green beans and red cabbage.
Braised red cabbage with apples is one of my favorites. I don’t know if that’s partly because it’s also something you find in the UK, 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. It goes with lots of different meats, such as sausages as we had here, or roast meats (it mops up the gravy as well!) and roast vegetables work well too.
How it’s made
There are a few variations on braised red cabbage, but this version is one I like as it has a nice balance of gentle sweetness and aromatic spice. All you do is shred the cabbage, grate the apple then start to cook the cabbage in a little oil. Add the apple, cloves and orange juice, mix then cover. Reduce the heat and allow it to kind of steam/sweat for a few minutes until tender.
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.
A simple, comforting side dish that goes particularly well with pork.
- 3 1/2 cups red cabbage 220g, 1/2 a small cabbage
- 1 apple or 1/2 large
- 3 cloves
- 3 tbsp orange juice
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Shred the cabbage relatively finely and peel and grate the apple.
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Warm a little oil in a pan and add the cabbage. Cook for a couple minutes so it starts to soften, stirring now and then to coat with the oil. Add the apple, cloves and orange juice, mix then cover. Reduce the heat and allow it to steam/sweat for around 15 minutes until tender, stirring now and then.
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Remove the cloves and serve.
Try these other classic Germanic dishes:
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- German pancake soup
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- Wiener schnitzel
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- Kaiserschmarrn (Austrian torn pancakes)
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
- Braised Red Cabbage with Apples by Caroline’s Cooking (you’re here!)
- Brombeere-Butterkuchen – Blackberry German Butter Cake by Food Lust People Love
- Chicken Schnitzel with Dunkelweizen Sauce by Palatable Pastime
- Chicken Schnitzel With Garlic Mayo by Sneha’s Recipe
- German meatballs with spaetzle by Cookaholic Wife
- Nusskämme (German Hazelnut Combs) by Tara’s Multicultural Table
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Colleen says
This has always been one of my favorites too! I especially look forward to it around this time of year!
Caroline's Cooking says
I can understand why!
Wendy Klik says
Braised red cabbage is one of my favorites in the Fall. Haven’t tried using oj, thanks for the idea Caroline.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, the orange is a nice way to get that sweet-acidic balance in there.
sneha datar says
Great recipe very easy and filling, will definitely try this soon.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, hope you enjoy!
Cookaholic Wife says
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!
Caroline's Cooking says
Perfect, hope you enjoy!
Tara says
Such a beautiful plate! Definitely my idea of comfort food. I love the color of that cabbage.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it really is so comforting. And I agree, the color is so pretty!
Cindy Gordon says
Such a delicious comfort food! I have always been a lover of braised cabbage!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it really is!
Annemarie says
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.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it has a lovely flavor and is easy too.
Natalie says
This red cabbage with apples look like such a great side dish to just about anything – so easy to make, healthy and delicious!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, I agree it would go with lots of things.
Natalie says
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!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, enjoy!
Neli Howard says
WOW…how deliciously does this look! This is really very tasty. I would love to try this! Thank you.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it’s delicious!
Danielle says
This reminds me of some of the delicious food we ate when we were in Eastern Europe.
Caroline's Cooking says
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.