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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Sauté onions: Add in sliced onion and cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add apples: Stir in the thinly sliced apples and continue cooking for about 3 minutes to soften and release their sweetness.
- Add raisins: Mix in raisins and cook for another 30 seconds to plump them slightly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
