Red Cabbage (Rot Kohl)
🕒 Cook Time: 3 hours
🕒 Prep Time: 45 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
🍽 Servings: 8
Description:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this delicately seasoned sweet and sour red cabbage dish, a perfect accompaniment to a hearty German meal featuring Roladen and potato dumplings. This traditional recipe brings out the essence of European cuisine, adding a burst of color and flavor to your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 1 red cabbage
- 1 bacon
- 2-3 onions
- 4-5 apples
- 6 bay leaves
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 25.9g
- Saturated Fat: 8.6g
- Cholesterol: 38.6mg
- Sodium: 502.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 20.4g
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Sugar: 12.4g
- Protein: 8.5g
Instructions:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and fry the onions and bacon until the bacon is slightly crispy, creating a flavorful base for your cabbage.
- Add the shredded red cabbage, sliced apples, and bay leaves to the pot, combining them with the onion and bacon mixture.
- Sprinkle approximately 3 tablespoons of sugar over the cabbage mixture, enhancing its sweetness.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture gently for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and aromatic dish.
- Once the cabbage is tender and fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, adding a tangy twist to the dish.
- For best results, allow the red cabbage to cool and marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This extra time enhances the flavors, resulting in a dish that doubles in richness and complexity when served the next day.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the red cabbage alongside traditional German dishes such as Roladen (beef rolls) and potato dumplings for an authentic culinary experience.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a touch of freshness and color.
- Pair with a glass of Riesling or another crisp white wine to complement the sweet and sour flavors of the dish.
Tips:
- Make sure to shred the red cabbage thinly for quicker cooking and a more tender texture.
- Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dish to your taste preferences by adding more or less sugar, vinegar, or lemon juice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Keywords:
German, European, Weeknight, Oven, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Indulge in the flavors of this classic German side dish, where the sweetness of apples and the savory richness of bacon blend harmoniously with the tangy notes of vinegar and lemon juice. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, this red cabbage recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table!
