German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

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Don’t wait until Oktoberfest to make this German-Style Red Cabbage. Braised in a skillet with green apples and a hint of cloves, this recipe is a hit with all ages.

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German Red Cabbage Recipe

I tend to gravitate towards green cabbage more often than red cabbage; so when I found this Oktoberfest Red Cabbage Recipe in The Best of Country Cooking Cook Book, I was intrigued.

What I discovered is a home-run way to saute red cabbage. This recipe has green apples and sugar for a sweet flavor that is balanced out with white vinegar right before serving. Truth be told, you can leave out the vinegar if you’d like. I like it both ways.

This red cabbage recipe is simply seasoned with salt, pepper and ground cloves.

I love ground cloves. My Grandma always used her garden tomatoes to make the most delicious Homemade Ketchup recipe which also contains ground cloves. One sniff of the little canister, and my Grandma is back in my kitchen helping me.

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Ingredient List

  • Olive Oil
  • Red Cabbage
  • Green Apples (tart apples)
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Salt and Black Pepper
  • Ground cloves
  • Water
  • White Vinegar

How to Make German Red Cabbage

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Using a sharp knife, remove the outer leaves and stem from the cabbage. Shred the cabbage.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Saute over medium heat shredded red cabbage and chopped green apples for 4-5 minutes or until cabbage begins to wilt.
  3. Add sugar, salt, pepper, ground cloves and water.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer.
  5. Cover the pan, and continue to cook for 35-45 minutes or until tender.
  6. Add vinegar and stir before serving.

Storage Instructions

Let cooked cabbage cool; transfer to an airtight container, and store in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

For the full instructions and ingredient list for German Red Cabbage, scroll to the bottom of this page.

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Recipe FAQs

  • The easiest way to shred a cabbage is using a food processor.
  • Substitute bacon grease or canola oil for olive oil if desired.
  • Tart green apples work best for this sauteed red cabbage recipe. Peel the apples first.
  • Never used ground cloves? It’s one of my favorite spices, similar to cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • While braising the red cabbage, stir occasionally. Be sure to make sure the liquid doesn’t all absorb. If it does and you aren’t paying attention, the cabbage could burn due to the sugar in the recipe.
  • Use a large skillet or Dutch-oven while sauteing the red cabbage.

Recipe Variations

  • Use butter instead of olive oil.
  • Add a bay leaf for a little more flavor.
  • Substitute apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for while vinegar.
  • Slice a medium onion, and add it to the cabbage as it cooks.

More Cabbage Recipes

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sweet and Sour Coleslaw

Creamy Cabbage

Linking up to Weekend Potluck.

Linking up to Meal Plan Monday.

German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (11)

Print Recipe

German-Style Red Cabbage

Don't wait until Oktoberfest to make this German-Style Red Cabbage. Braised in a skillet with green apples and a hint of cloves, this recipe is a hit with all ages.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: braised red cabbage, german braised red cabbage recipe, German red cabbage, german-style red cabbage, oktoberfest red cabbage, red cabbage and apples, red cabbage recipes, sauteed red cabbage

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 128kcal

Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 head red cabbage, shredded
  • 2 green apples, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat; add the shredded cabbage and apples, and saute, stirring often for 4-5 minutes.

    German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (12)

  • Add sugar, salt, pepper, ground cloves and water; bring to the mixture to a boil.

    German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (13)

  • Reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid. Cook for 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the cabbage is tender. Watch the mixture to make sure the liquid doesn't completely absorb and the cabbage doesn't burn.

    German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (14)

  • Turn off the heat, and add vinegar. Stir to combine.

    German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (15)

Notes

  • The easiest way to shred a cabbage is using a food processor.
  • Tart green apples work best for this sauteed red cabbage recipe. Peel the apples first.
  • Substitute bacon grease or canola oil for olive oil if desired.
  • Never used ground cloves? It’s one of my favorite spices, similar to cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • While braising the red cabbage, stir occasionally. Be sure to make sure the liquid doesn’t all absorb. If it does and you aren’t paying attention, the cabbage could burn due to the sugar in the recipe.
  • Use a large skillet or Dutch-oven while sauteing the red cabbage.
  • Love cabbage? Try Fried Green Cabbage with Bacon.

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 249mg | Potassium: 304mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1195IU | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

FAQs

Is German red cabbage good for you? ›

It's packed with vitamin A, potassium and antioxidant-rich vitamin C; it's low in calories and it's a good source of dietary fiber. And of the many ways to cook cabbage, this is one of the easiest. Simply cut up a few ingredients, add them to a pot, and stir occasionally until everything is soft and sweet.

What meat goes well with red cabbage? ›

Sweet and sour red cabbage is a perfect side dish for sausages, pork chops, schnitzel or German pork burgers. This braised cabbage also pairs well with roast chicken, duck, and roast beef.

Does red cabbage cook differently than green cabbage? ›

Red and green cabbage can be used interchangeably in most recipes. The difference between cooking green cabbage and red cabbage is just one extra step. The compounds that give red cabbage its color, called anthocyanins, are water-soluble and will turn an unappetizing blue color when cooked.

Is it safe to eat red cabbage everyday? ›

To get the most benefit, try to consume ½ to ¾ cup cooked or 1 ½ cup raw cabbage per day at least 5 days per week. This is pretty easy to do since there are so many ways to prepare cabbage. Traditional methods of steaming or boiling cabbage can extract flavor and nutrients.

Is red cabbage good for high blood pressure? ›

Diets high in anthocyanins, like those found in red cabbage, are linked with lower blood pressure. They're also linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease.

What is the healthiest way to eat red cabbage? ›

Although it's a sturdy vegetable it's not invincible… Go raw. Lock in nutrients by eating your cabbage uncooked in salads.

Is there a difference between red cabbage and purple cabbage? ›

Red cabbage, also called purple cabbage, is a leafy vegetable from the cabbage family. It typically comes as a head of cabbage, which is a ball of tight leaves. Red cabbage has broad reddish-purple leaves with a thick white stem at the bottom of the head.

Why do you soak red cabbage? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

What reacts with red cabbage? ›

The color of the cabbage indicator will change to red or pink if the solution is an acid and it will change to green or yellow if it is a base. It will remain purple or blue if the test solution is neutral.

Is red cabbage good for weight loss? ›

May help prevent cancer: Cruciferous vegetables, including red cabbage, contain compounds that may help protect against certain types of cancer. Aids weight loss: Low in calories and high in fiber, red cabbage can help you feel fuller for longer, making it a great addition to weight loss diets.

What goes well with red cabbage? ›

Pickled red cabbage is an excellent match for cheese, cold meats and smoked fish. Red cabbage braised with vinegar and apples makes a traditional sweet and sour recipe to accompany a roast and beautifully spiced versions are commonly found at Christmas celebrations served with turkey, goose or baked ham.

What is healthier, red or green cabbage? ›

While both green and red cabbage are excellent sources of this potent antioxidant, red cabbage contains significantly more ( 2 , 22 ). One cup (89 g) of chopped red cabbage packs in 56% of the recommended intake for vitamin C, which is the same amount found in a small orange ( 22 , 23 ).

Can I just boil red cabbage? ›

The simplest way to cook red cabbage is to boil it - put the cabbage leaves or shredded cabbage in a large pan and cover halfway with water, bring to the boil, and cook for three to five minutes or until tender. It can also be steamed – around five minutes in a steamer should be sufficient for soft, tender leaves.

What is the healthiest cabbage to eat? ›

While both green and red cabbage are excellent sources of this potent antioxidant, red cabbage contains significantly more ( 2 , 22 ). One cup (89 g) of chopped red cabbage packs in 56% of the recommended intake for vitamin C, which is the same amount found in a small orange ( 22 , 23 ).

What does red cabbage do for the body? ›

Red cabbage is a good source of fibre, including the insoluble variety which promotes regular bowel movements. The fibre in cabbage acts as a prebiotic, which means it's the type of fibre that provides a fuel source for the beneficial bacteria that live in your gut.

Is red cabbage better for you than green cabbage? ›

Red cabbage contains 10 times higher of Vitamin A than the green ones. A cup of red cabbage provides 33 percent of daily Vitamin A intake compared to only 3 percent of the same serving of the green variety.

What is the most nutritious way to eat red cabbage? ›

A lot of its frumpy reputation comes from it being over-pickled or boiled for an eon. Although it's a sturdy vegetable it's not invincible… Go raw. Lock in nutrients by eating your cabbage uncooked in salads.

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