German Style Sweet & Sour Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

This German Style Sweet & Sour Cabbage is a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It features tender red cabbage cooked with apples, raisins, and a hint of spice, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter or ghee
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 green apple, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons raisins (optional)
• 1 medium head of red cabbage, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (omit for Whole30 or substitute with maple syrup for Paleo)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• ½ tablespoon butter or ghee (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil and butter (or ghee) in a large Dutch oven or pot with a lid until hot and the butter has melted.
2. Step 2: Add the sliced onion and cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the apple slices and continue cooking for about 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the raisins and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. Step 5: Pour in the sliced red cabbage and stir to fully coat with the butter and oil mixture. Sauté over medium heat for around 5 minutes until slightly softened.
6. Step 6: Add the apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar or maple syrup, salt, thyme, and cayenne. Stir to combine thoroughly.
7. Step 7: Reduce the heat to low or medium-low and cover the pot with the lid. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in a small knob of butter or ghee if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother texture, you can finely shred the cabbage instead of slicing it thickly.
• Omit raisins for a less sweet version or replace them with dried cranberries for a different fruity note.
• Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar to keep the recipe Paleo-friendly.
• Add a pinch of caraway seeds for an authentic German flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftover cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish tastes great even the next day as flavors continue to meld.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use green cabbage instead of red cabbage?

Yes, green cabbage can be used as a substitute, though the flavor and color will differ slightly. The cooking time remains the same.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

To make this dish vegan, replace the butter or ghee with a plant-based butter or additional olive oil.

German Style Sweet & Sour Cabbage Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 793 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A classic German-style sweet and sour cabbage recipe featuring red cabbage slow-cooked with apples, raisins, and a tangy blend of apple cider and balsamic vinegars. This comforting side dish balances sweet and savory flavors with aromatic spices, perfect for pairing with traditional German meals or as a flavorful addition to any dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Fruits

• 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 green apple, thinly sliced
• 1 medium head of red cabbage, thinly sliced

Fats & Oils

• 1 tablespoon butter or ghee
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ tablespoon butter or ghee (optional)

Other Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons raisins (optional)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (omit for Whole30 or substitute with maple syrup for Paleo)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat fats: Heat oil and butter (or ghee) in a large dutch oven or pot with a lid until hot and the butter has melted.
2. Sauté onions: Add in sliced onion and cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add apples: Stir in the thinly sliced apples and continue cooking for about 3 minutes to soften and release their sweetness.
4. Add raisins: Mix in raisins and cook for another 30 seconds to plump them slightly.
5. Cook cabbage: Pour in the thinly sliced cabbage and stir to fully coat with the butter and oil mixture. Sauté over medium heat for around 5 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften.
6. Add seasonings and vinegar: Add apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar (or maple syrup if using), salt, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. Simmer covered: Reduce heat to low or medium-low, cover with the lid, and let the cabbage simmer for around 30 minutes until it reaches your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Finish and season: Remove from heat and stir in a knob of butter or ghee if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as preferred. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• The raisins are optional but add a nice sweet contrast to the sour flavors.
• Brown sugar can be omitted or replaced with maple syrup to accommodate Whole30 or Paleo diets.
• You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it to control the spice level.
• Use fresh thyme if available for more aromatic flavor.
• This dish pairs beautifully with sausages, pork, or vegetarian mains like roasted potatoes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: German

Keywords: German sweet and sour cabbage, red cabbage recipe, German side dish, sweet sour cabbage, cabbage with apples, traditional German food