Apfelrotkohl (German Red Cabbage with Apples)
A traditional German holiday side dish of braised red cabbage with apples, simmered with vinegar, apple juice, and warming spices. Perfect make-ahead alternative to green bean casserole.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 120kcal
Ingredients
- 1 medium to large head of red cabbage
- 2 tart apples or quince or pears
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tbsp butter or goose fat
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 cup unfiltered apple juice plus more as needed
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 whole cloves
- 6 juniper berries optional
- 1-2 tbsp red currant or cranberry jelly optional
- 1/2 cup red wine or port optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Finely slice the cabbage and core. Peel and dice the apples and onion.
- Melt butter or fat in a large pot and sauté the onion until translucent.
- Add sugar and let it caramelize lightly.
- Add cabbage and apples, stirring until coated.
- Pour in vinegar and apple juice.
- Add bay leaf, cloves, and juniper berries.
- Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in jelly if using, and season to taste with salt, pepper, sugar, or vinegar.
- Serve warm or make ahead and reheat before serving.