Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Balsamic Glaze

Looking for delicious red cabbage recipes? This braised red cabbage with apples & balsamic is a family favorite! Easy to make and perfect with a Sunday roast. Get the recipe!

Okay, let's dive into this delicious red cabbage recipes adventure! are you ready for some serious flavour? i was pottering about the kitchen, thinking about sunday dinner, and bam! braised red cabbage with apples and balsamic glaze popped into my head.

Honestly, this is the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, you know?

What’s the Big Deal about Braised Red Cabbage?

This isn't just any old red cabbage salad . it's a proper hug in a bowl. this is a recipe that goes way back, especially in europe.

Think hearty, home-cooked goodness. it’s easy peasy to make, even if you’re not a whiz in the kitchen. prep takes about 15 minutes, then it simmers for about an hour and a half.

This recipe makes enough for 6-8 people. a perfect side dish for any roast!

Why You'll Love This Cabbage Recipe

Okay, so why should you bother with this cabbage recipes goodness? first off, red cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse! we're talking vitamin c, fiber, the whole shebang.

Plus, this red cabbage dish is begging to be served alongside a sunday roast dinner , especially pork fillet or a pork shoulder roast .

It's also a great addition to the festive table with all the colors. but the real magic? it's the taste! the sweetness of the apples, the tang of balsamic, and those warm spices? honestly, it's like a party in your mouth! this is one of my absolute favorite veggie side dishes .

Let’s Talk Ingredients

So, what do you need for this purple cabbage recipes masterpiece? you'll need one medium red cabbage , of course.

I like to thinly slice it up! then, olive oil, an onion, garlic, apples (granny smiths are great!), apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar (don’t skimp on the balsamic, trust me!), brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and some vegetable broth.

See? nothing too scary! this is not your average coleslaw recipe !

Ingredients & Equipment for Killer Red Cabbage Recipes

Listen up, buttercups! let's talk grub. we're diving into the heart of all good red cabbage recipes , namely, what you actually need to make them.

I'm going to walk you through the stuff, no fuss, just real talk. think of it as our little secret ingredient handshake.

Main Ingredient Breakdown

For this braised red cabbage salad recipe, let's keep it simple, yeah? we are doing a basic base which can be adjusted later to purple cabbage recipes based on your preference.

First, you'll want 1 medium red cabbage , around 2 lbs (900g) . seriously, give it a squeeze. a good cabbage is firm and heavy for its size, not all floppy and sad.

Slice it thin, like really thin.

Then, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil . any will do, don't stress too much. 1 large onion , sliced, about 1 cup (150g) .

And 2 cloves of garlic , minced. oh, and 2 medium apples ( 2 cups (300g) ), like granny smiths.

Spice Rack Shenanigans

Spice is life, babes. for this particular dish, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of ground cinnamon is a must. 1/2 teaspoon (2.

5 ml) of ground cloves . don't even think about skipping the cloves, it changes everything. and 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) of ground nutmeg .

We are also using a generous amount of 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt and 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper .

Got no cinnamon? A pinch of mixed spice might work. No cloves? Up the nutmeg a smidge. It's all good, we're winging it, right?

Essential Gear

Okay, time for the nitty-gritty. what gear you actually need. you'll need a big pot. like, a really big one, or a dutch oven with a lid is perfect.

We're talking serious cabbage recipes here.

If you don't have either, a deep frying pan will do, just keep the heat low. a decent knife and chopping board goes without saying, yeah? and measuring cups and spoons, unless you're a "chuck it in and hope for the best" kind of cook.

More power to you.

This cabbage salad is better than any store-bought. it's a fantastic side for a pork fillet or a pork shoulder roast .

Trust me, this coleslaw recipe is a winner, even the kids will eat it! serve it with a full roast dinner or use it as a base for other slaw recipes .

Alright, let’s dive into making some seriously tasty braised red cabbage . honestly, it’s easier than you think! this purple cabbage recipes transforms into a delicious side that everyone will love.

Forget boring veggies; we’re about to make magic.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first: let’s get our ducks in a row. that means essential mise en place . core and thinly slice about 2 lbs of red cabbage .

One large onion, thinly sliced. two cloves of minced garlic. two medium apples peeled, cored, and chopped. time-saving tip: do this while the oven is preheating, which also saves time!

Safety Reminder : Watch those fingers when slicing. I nearly lost a digit last Christmas making red cabbage salad !

Step-by-Step Braised Bliss

1. Sauté Aromatics : Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 5 mins. Add 2 teaspoons of garlic; cook another minute.
2. Cabbage and Apples In : Add the sliced red cabbage and chopped apples.
3. Liquid Magic : Pour in 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, and 1/2 cup of vegetable broth.
4. Spice It Up : Add 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
5. Simmer Time : Bring to a simmer. Then, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 hour 30 minutes .
6. Taste Test : Taste and adjust. More balsamic if you like it tangy!

Pro Tips for Cabbage Connoisseurs

Want to take your cabbage recipes to the next level? Here are a few tricks.

• Don't crowd the pan : Overcrowding prevents proper browning.
• Watch the liquids : Check every 30 minutes; add more broth if needed.
• Make Ahead : Braised red cabbage is amazing the next day.

This slaw recipes variant makes the cabbage salad suitable for any roast dinner . you can serve this up with pork fillet or pork shoulder roast .

Many veggie side dishes or veggie dishes use this as the foundation or coleslaw recipe . or you could simply create a basic cabbage salad recipes .

Alright, let's dive into those all-important recipe notes for our awesome braised red cabbage recipe ! trust me, these little snippets can make or break a dish.

I remember one time, i didn't add enough vinegar to my red cabbage , and honestly, it was a disaster.

We live and learn, right? hopefully, these notes keep you from similar cabbage catastrophes!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Make It Look Good

Presentation matters. It’s true. Trust me! Think about how to plate this. Maybe a dollop of crème fraîche? Fresh herbs?

• Plating: Pile that gorgeous red cabbage salad high! A swirl of balsamic glaze? Chef's kiss!
• Sides: This pairs amazingly with pork fillet . A good pork shoulder roast too! Don't forget your classic roast dinner companions. For veggie side dishes , maybe some roasted carrots or buttery mashed potatoes. It's also great with veggie burgers or a hearty lentil loaf!

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh

Leftovers are your friend. My nan used to say, "Always make extra!"

• Fridge: Keep it in an airtight container. It'll be good for about 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Honestly, braised red cabbage recipes freeze pretty well. Pop it in a freezer bag and it'll last for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Microwave, stovetop, or oven – your choice! Just add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry.

Variations: Let's Get Creative

Feeling adventurous? Let's mix it up a bit.

• Vegan: Easily adaptable! Just make sure your vegetable broth is vegan. Maple syrup works great instead of brown sugar. Honestly, you won't miss a thing.
• Seasonal: Autumn screams apples, but in winter? Try adding some cranberries or even some chopped walnuts for a festive twist. It can transform your regular slaw recipes .

Nutrition Basics: It's Good For You!

• Quick Facts: Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but red cabbage is packed with vitamins. Think Vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Benefits: Those antioxidants are great for fighting off free radicals. Plus, it's a good source of fiber. Bonus points! This cabbage salad is healthier than you think!

So there you have it. some simple ways to boost the flavor and enjoy this colorful vegetable. now get in the kitchen and get creative with purple cabbage recipes too! it is perfect as a side for roasted red cabbage and complements cabbage recipes perfectly.

Don’t be scared to experiment. have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to store leftover braised red cabbage? It's not going to turn into something out of Doctor Who, is it?

Fear not, your red cabbage won't morph into a Cyberman! To store leftovers, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this braised red cabbage recipe ahead of time? I'm a busy bee and need to plan!

Absolutely! Braised red cabbage is actually even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Think of it as Mary Berry-approved time-saving!

My red cabbage is bitter! What did I do wrong and how can I fix it? Are there any magic tricks?

Bitterness in red cabbage can happen. The good news is you can usually fix it! Adding enough acid, like the apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar in this recipe, helps to counteract the bitterness. Also, make sure you add the vinegar right at the beginning – this helps break down the cabbage and prevent bitterness. If it's still bitter, add a touch more brown sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice. Think of it like balancing the Force... but with vinegar.

I'm trying to eat healthier. Are there any nutritional benefits to these red cabbage recipes, or am I just kidding myself?

You're definitely not kidding yourself! Red cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse. It's packed with vitamins (especially Vitamin C and Vitamin K), fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, it's low in calories, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. Think of it as a delicious way to sneak in some goodness – even Popeye would approve!

What are some tasty variations on this braised red cabbage recipe? I'm feeling adventurous!

Feeling like spicing things up, are we? You could try adding some bacon or smoked sausage for a German-inspired twist. Or, for a festive feel, stir in some dried cranberries and orange zest. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders. Get creative – it's your kitchen, after all! Just make sure the queen (you) likes it.

Can I use different types of apples in these red cabbage recipes? I only have Golden Delicious on hand.

Absolutely! While Granny Smith or Braeburn apples add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness, you can certainly use Golden Delicious or any other firm apple you have on hand. The key is to choose an apple that will hold its shape during cooking. Avoid apples that are too soft or mealy, as they will break down too much. At the end of the day the final dish will always be delicious!

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