Sweet & Sour Bavarian Cabbage (Printable)

Tender red cabbage and apples cooked with spices and vinegar for a tangy-sweet Bavarian side.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables & Fruit

01 - 1 small head red cabbage (approximately 1.54 lbs), finely shredded
02 - 2 medium tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
03 - 1 small red onion, finely sliced

→ Liquids

04 - ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
05 - 5 tablespoons water
06 - 2 tablespoons sunflower oil

→ Seasonings

07 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
09 - 1 bay leaf
10 - ½ teaspoon ground allspice
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Preparation steps:

01 - Warm sunflower oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
02 - Add the sliced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
03 - Incorporate shredded cabbage and sliced apples; stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to wilt.
04 - Sprinkle in brown sugar, caraway seeds if using, ground allspice, salt, and pepper; stir to evenly coat.
05 - Pour in apple cider vinegar and water, add bay leaf, and mix thoroughly.
06 - Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender yet slightly crisp and apples are softened.
07 - Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve warm.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Rich, tangy-sweet flavor
  • Easy to prepare and pairs well with many dishes
02 -
  • For a richer flavor, add 1 tbsp red currant jelly or cranberry sauce in step 4
  • Delicious served with roast pork, duck, or bratwurst
03 -
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweet and sour
  • Simmer gently to keep the cabbage tender but still with a slight bite
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