Grandma Jeanette's Amazing German Red Cabbage

This German red cabbage recipe with apples is flavored with sugar, vinegar, and cloves for a sweet and sour festive side dish that pairs well with roast pork, turkey, or duck.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1 5

Total Time 1 15

Course lunch/dinner

Cuisine central europe

Servings 4 people

Calories 588.5 kcal

Equipment

1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven For simmering the cabbage
1 Cutting Board For prepping cabbage and apples
1 Chef's knife For shredding cabbage and slicing apples
1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient measurement
1 Wooden Spoon For stirring

Ingredients

Main

5 cups shredded red cabbage
1 cup sliced green apples
¼ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons water
2 ¼ teaspoons salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Place cabbage, apples, sugar, and butter into a large pot. Pour in vinegar and water, then add salt, pepper, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the cabbage is tender, 1 ½ to 2 hours. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Enjoy! Allrecipes/France Cevallos

Notes

For an elevated flavor profile, consider using a good quality apple cider vinegar, and if available, a touch of homemade apple butter can deepen the apple notes. When shredding the cabbage, aim for uniform strips to ensure even cooking. The long simmering time is crucial for tenderizing the cabbage and allowing the flavors to meld; do not rush this step. If the liquid reduces too much, add a splash more water or vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. A pinch of caraway seeds can also enhance the traditional German profile. For presentation, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color. This dish can be made ahead and reheats beautifully, often tasting even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.