Skip to main content

braised red cabbage recipe.

 

German Braised Red Cabbage Recipe (Rotkohl) – Sweet, Tangy & Easy!

Looking for a vibrant, flavorful side dish to pair with sausages, schnitzel, or your holiday roast? This German Braised Red Cabbage, known as Rotkohl, is tender, sweet, tangy, and infused with traditional spices. It’s a staple at Oktoberfest, Christmas dinners, and Sunday family meals.

What Is Rotkohl (Braised Red Cabbage)?

Rotkohl is a classic German side dish made from red cabbage slowly braised with apples, vinegar, onions, and spices. The result is a glossy, jewel-toned dish with a sweet-sour flavor that complements rich meats like pork, duck, and sausages.

Ingredients for Traditional German Rotkohl

  • 1 medium head of red cabbage (about 2 lbs), thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter or oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large apple (sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled and grated or chopped
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves or 2 whole cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine or apple juice for depth

How to Make German Braised Red Cabbage (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage

  1. Remove outer leaves, core the cabbage, and slice thinly using a knife or mandoline.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

  1. In a large pot, heat butter over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft (3–4 minutes).
  3. Stir in grated apple and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Cabbage and Braise

  1. Add sliced cabbage, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, cloves, and bay leaf.
  2. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add a splash of water, wine, or juice as needed to prevent sticking.
  4. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Tips for Perfect Rotkohl

  • Make ahead: Rotkohl tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
  • Use a sweet apple to balance the vinegar.
  • Freeze for later: It freezes beautifully and reheats well.
  • Spices: Add juniper berries, allspice, or cinnamon for festive variations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside:

  • Pork roast or sausages
  • Goose or duck (perfect for holidays)
  • Wiener Schnitzel or Sauerbraten
  • Mashed potatoes or German dumplings

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it vegan?

Yes! Simply use oil instead of butter.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Absolutely. It saves time and works well if sliced thinly.

How long does Rotkohl keep?

Up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~90

Ingredients: (see above)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion and apple.
  2. Add cabbage, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
  3. Cover and cook until tender.
  4. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

Review this recipe below!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

spicy salmon sushi bites.

                    🍣 Crispy Rice Sushi Bites Recipe – Viral Sushi Appetizer You’ll Crave! 📌 Why You’ll Love These Crispy Sushi Bites These crispy rice sushi bites are the perfect blend of textures: golden fried sushi rice topped with creamy, spicy tuna or fresh avocado. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving sushi night at home, this viral appetizer is fun, fancy, and surprisingly easy! 📝 Ingredients (Makes 12–15 bites) For the crispy rice: 2 cups cooked sushi rice (short-grain, cooled) 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp sugar Pinch of salt Neutral oil (for frying) For the spicy tuna topping: 150g sashimi-grade tuna, finely chopped 2 tbsp mayo 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste) 1 tsp soy sauce ½ tsp sesame oil Optional toppings: Thin avocado slices Jalapeño rounds Black sesame seeds Chopped green onions Soy sauce for dipping 🍳 Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice Mix the cooled rice with rice vinega...
Post a Comment
Read more

albondigas recipe

  🧆 Spanish Meatballs Recipe (Albóndigas) | Savory Tapas Classic Craving juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce? These Spanish Albóndigas are a classic tapas dish, packed with bold spices, fresh herbs, and rustic charm. Served with crusty bread or rice, they make the perfect party bite, appetizer, or cozy family dinner. 📝 Ingredients For the Meatballs: 500g ground beef (or half beef, half pork) 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1 egg 2 tbsp chopped parsley 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp cumin Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil for frying For the Tomato Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp sugar (to balance acidity) Salt and pepper to taste Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine or water 🍳 Instructions Step 1: Make the Meatballs In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

kfc fried chicken recipe.

🍗 Copycat KFC Fried Chicken Recipe – Crispy, Juicy & Flavor-Packed! Ever wished you could make KFC-style fried chicken at home ? This copycat KFC fried chicken recipe brings you all the crispy, golden perfection and 11-herb-and-spice flavor you crave—without ever leaving your kitchen. Juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, this homemade KFC chicken is perfect for Sunday dinners, gatherings, or when fast food cravings strike but you want to keep it homemade. ⭐ Why You’ll Love This KFC Copycat Recipe 🍗 Crispy, crunchy coating just like KFC 🌿 Uses a blend of 11 secret herbs and spices 🔥 Perfectly juicy and flavorful chicken every time 🧂 No MSG, no mystery ingredients—just real food 🏡 Tastes like takeout, made with love at  🧾 Ingredients For the Chicken: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, wings) 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice) 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper For the Flour Coating (KFC Spice Blend): 2...
Post a Comment
Read more