German Braised Red Cabbage is tangy and sweet and a perfect accompaniment to spareribs or bratwurst and German potato salad.
About German Braised Red Cabbage
I love Autumn. The air is finally crisp and cool after the long hot summer, and the changing leaves put on a spectacular show.
It’s also time for Octoberfest!
I have to say I’ve been to many Oktoberfests but the one that really stands out is in Mt. Angel, Oregon.
This is truly Oktoberfest with fabulous food such as German Braised Red Cabbage, a Biergarten, oompah bands with singers and dancers dressed in Lederhosen and Dirndls.
The entire town devotes itself to this one beautiful celebration.
Because this is after all the Northwest, they’ve also added a Weingarten, for those who like wine, an Alpinegarten, where there isn’t a bad seat in the house to view the entertainment and a Prostgarten, where you can bring all your food favorites and relax.
And right behind the Glockenspiel is the Bandstand which has continuous entertainment provided by the townspeople.
In fact, each morning the Mt. Angel School children perform a traditional Webertanz, a May Pole Dance.
You feel that yes, you really are in Germany.
And tours are conducted throughout the celebration to view the beautiful Benedictine Abby at Mt. Angel.
It’s so peaceful as it sits high on the hill overlooking the town.
But being a foodie, my mind naturally keeps going to the food which is really outstanding from sausage to spatzle, to brauts and sauerkraut.
My favorite dish though was at a little restaurant in the village. We had sausages, German potato salad and the best German Braised Red Cabbage I’ve ever had.
When I got home, I made this German Braised Red Cabbage many times trying to get as close to their recipe as possible and it was never quite right.
It lacked their special combination of sweet and tangy. But never say die, I kept trying and it still wasn’t right. Until recently. I think I’ve done it. I asked my husband and he said, “Yep, that’s it”.
Ingredients of German Braised Red Cabbage
- Onion
- Olive Oil
- Apple
- Red Cabbage
- Sugar
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make German Braised Red Cabbage
First, in a large pot add olive oil over medium heat and when it’s hot add chopped onions and sauté about 2 minutes.
Stir in diced apples and chopped cabbage. Let it cook for another minute.
Then turn down the heat to medium low.
Add in the sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper and cover the pot.
Let the cabbage simmer another 50-55 minutes.
Stir occasionally to be sure your stove is not cooking too high. If it seems dry, add a little water and turn the heat to low.
Cook until cabbage is tender.
Health Note on Cabbage
The ancient Greeks believed in the curative power of Cabbage.
Hippocrates often prescribed it boiled with salt for patients with violent colic.
Pythagoras even composed several entire books on the virtues of Cabbage.
It was said that Diogenes ate cabbage on the recommendation of Pythagoras while Aristippus, another Greek philosopher, refused to even have it in his kitchen.
Maybe it’s just a coincidence but Diogenes lived to the ripe old age of 90 and Aristippus died at the age of 40.
This recipe is a great side dish for Easy Pork Schnitzel.
German Braised Red Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 Onion Peeled and chopped
- 1 Apple Peeled and chopped
- 1/2 Red Cabbage Sliced thin
- 1/4 Cup Sugar
- 1/3 Cup Apple Cider vinegar Braggs is best
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot add olive oil and bring to medium high heat. Add onions and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Stir in apples.
- Stir in cabbage, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Turn down to medium low heat and cover.
- Cook until Cabbage is tender, about 50-55 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm or cold.
For the apple, when you say chopped do you cube it or leave it in slices? Or does it matter? Thanks!
Hi Annette,
It doesn’t matter. This recipe is very forgiving. The flavor is outstanding.
Happy New Year…
Made this recipe (no changes or additions) and it was absolutely delish! My husband and father in law raved over it. Making it again tonight! Thanks for such an easy and authentic tasting recipe!
Thank you, Wendy. So glad you liked it! Who doesn’t love braised cabbage in the Fall! It goes wonderfully with Easy Pork Schnitzel. https://twocupsofhealth.com/easy-pork-schnitzel/
Can you add cloves while cooking
Oh Ginny… I see the makings of an excellent cook! Where others follow the recipes, you think outside the box. Of course you can add cloves while cooking. It would add an extra depth of flavor… Thank you!