German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

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Don’t wait until Oktoberfest to make this German-Style Red Cabbage. Braised in a skillet with green apples and a hint of cloves, this recipe is a hit with all ages.

Table of Contents

German Red Cabbage Recipe

I tend to gravitate towards green cabbage more often than red cabbage; so when I found this Oktoberfest Red Cabbage Recipe in The Best of Country Cooking Cook Book, I was intrigued.

What I discovered is a home-run way to saute red cabbage. This recipe has green apples and sugar for a sweet flavor that is balanced out with white vinegar right before serving. Truth be told, you can leave out the vinegar if you’d like. I like it both ways.

This red cabbage recipe is simply seasoned with salt, pepper and ground cloves.

I love ground cloves. My Grandma always used her garden tomatoes to make the most delicious Homemade Ketchup recipe which also contains ground cloves. One sniff of the little canister, and my Grandma is back in my kitchen helping me.

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Ingredient List

  • Olive Oil
  • Red Cabbage
  • Green Apples (tart apples)
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Salt and Black Pepper
  • Ground cloves
  • Water
  • White Vinegar

How to Make German Red Cabbage

Step by Step Instructions

  1. Using a sharp knife, remove the outer leaves and stem from the cabbage. Shred the cabbage.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Saute over medium heat shredded red cabbage and chopped green apples for 4-5 minutes or until cabbage begins to wilt.
  3. Add sugar, salt, pepper, ground cloves and water.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer.
  5. Cover the pan, and continue to cook for 35-45 minutes or until tender.
  6. Add vinegar and stir before serving.

Storage Instructions

Let cooked cabbage cool; transfer to an airtight container, and store in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

For the full instructions and ingredient list for German Red Cabbage, scroll to the bottom of this page.

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Recipe FAQs

  • The easiest way to shred a cabbage is using a food processor.
  • Substitute bacon grease or canola oil for olive oil if desired.
  • Tart green apples work best for this sauteed red cabbage recipe. Peel the apples first.
  • Never used ground cloves? It’s one of my favorite spices, similar to cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • While braising the red cabbage, stir occasionally. Be sure to make sure the liquid doesn’t all absorb. If it does and you aren’t paying attention, the cabbage could burn due to the sugar in the recipe.
  • Use a large skillet or Dutch-oven while sauteing the red cabbage.

Recipe Variations

  • Use butter instead of olive oil.
  • Add a bay leaf for a little more flavor.
  • Substitute apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for while vinegar.
  • Slice a medium onion, and add it to the cabbage as it cooks.

More Cabbage Recipes

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sweet and Sour Coleslaw

Creamy Cabbage

Linking up to Weekend Potluck.

Linking up to Meal Plan Monday.

German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (11)

Print Recipe

German-Style Red Cabbage

Don't wait until Oktoberfest to make this German-Style Red Cabbage. Braised in a skillet with green apples and a hint of cloves, this recipe is a hit with all ages.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: braised red cabbage, german braised red cabbage recipe, German red cabbage, german-style red cabbage, oktoberfest red cabbage, red cabbage and apples, red cabbage recipes, sauteed red cabbage

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 128kcal

Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 head red cabbage, shredded
  • 2 green apples, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat; add the shredded cabbage and apples, and saute, stirring often for 4-5 minutes.

    German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (12)

  • Add sugar, salt, pepper, ground cloves and water; bring to the mixture to a boil.

    German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (13)

  • Reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid. Cook for 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the cabbage is tender. Watch the mixture to make sure the liquid doesn't completely absorb and the cabbage doesn't burn.

    German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (14)

  • Turn off the heat, and add vinegar. Stir to combine.

    German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (15)

Notes

  • The easiest way to shred a cabbage is using a food processor.
  • Tart green apples work best for this sauteed red cabbage recipe. Peel the apples first.
  • Substitute bacon grease or canola oil for olive oil if desired.
  • Never used ground cloves? It’s one of my favorite spices, similar to cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • While braising the red cabbage, stir occasionally. Be sure to make sure the liquid doesn’t all absorb. If it does and you aren’t paying attention, the cabbage could burn due to the sugar in the recipe.
  • Use a large skillet or Dutch-oven while sauteing the red cabbage.
  • Love cabbage? Try Fried Green Cabbage with Bacon.

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 249mg | Potassium: 304mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1195IU | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

German-Style Red Cabbage Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

FAQs

Is Rotkohl good for you? ›

Red cabbage is loaded with beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants. Next to Vitamin C, you can find carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and kaempferol in cabbage. Anthocyanin has proven to be beneficial for your heart health.

What is the German word for red cabbage? ›

Known as Rotkohl, Blaukohl or Blaukraut in Germany, depending on the region, this braised red cabbage is a staple side dish that is served throughout Germany.

What meat goes well with red cabbage? ›

Sweet and sour red cabbage is a perfect side dish for sausages, pork chops, schnitzel or German pork burgers. This braised cabbage also pairs well with roast chicken, duck, and roast beef.

How long does Rotkohl last? ›

Store in pantry up to one year. Opened jars need to be refrigerated. Tips: If product is too tart for your taste, add a bit of sugar when heating to eat.

What happens if I eat red cabbage everyday? ›

There is growing evidence that anthocyanins play a positive role in cardiovascular health and that those who eat foods rich in them (like red cabbage) have a lower risk of heart attacks and heart disease-related death.

What are the negatives of red cabbage? ›

Like many vegetables from the Cruciferae family, cabbage can cause gas and bloating. If you're prone to bloating, avoid eating large amounts of cabbage, especially alongside other gas-inducing foods.

What is the nickname for red cabbage? ›

It is also known as purple cabbage, red kraut or blue kraut after preparation. The leaves of the red cabbage have a dark red/purple color.

Is red cabbage the same as sauerkraut? ›

Red cabbage is called “Rotkraut” or sometimes “Blaukraut” in German. It's generally not fermented into Sauerkraut but rather cooked or served raw (coleslaw). “Red cabbage is often used raw for salads and coleslaw .

How do Germans eat cabbage? ›

Cabbage is a common vegetable in German cuisine and is used in many dishes such as sauerkraut, red cabbage, and coleslaw. However, German cuisine is quite diverse, and there are many other ingredients that are commonly used in their dishes, such as meat, potatoes, and various herbs and spices.

What is the healthiest way to eat red cabbage? ›

A lot of its frumpy reputation comes from it being over-pickled or boiled for an eon. Although it's a sturdy vegetable it's not invincible… Go raw. Lock in nutrients by eating your cabbage uncooked in salads.

Can I eat red cabbage raw? ›

Red cabbage is full of vitamins (A, C and K), minerals and antioxidants so eating it raw or juicing it also provides a fantastic health boost.

Why do you soak red cabbage? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

Can you eat pickled red cabbage out of date? ›

As long as the jar is sealed and if as you say in a jar, pickled red cabbage, is a very stable acidic food, which any normal sane person could keep indefinitely, or as part of some post-apocalyptic, bomb shelter stockpile, if you are some sort of “survivalist”.

Should red cabbage be kept in the fridge? ›

How to Store Cabbage in the Fridge. Whether it's red or green, Savoy or napa, fresh cabbage should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. For red, green and Savoy cabbage heads, this storage method will keep the cabbage fresh for up to 10 days.

Is red cabbage in a jar healthy? ›

Naturally fermented sauerkraut is really healthy. It's rich in probiotics (beneficial live bacteria) as a result of fermentation. Red cabbage also contains a good amount of vitamin C, fibre, and minerals like iron and copper.

Is it OK to eat cabbage everyday? ›

It is important to note that, while it is true that eating cabbage may support weight-management goals, this veggie should not be overconsumed, as too much cabbage can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, like bloating. It is also important to enjoy cabbage as a part of a balanced and healthy diet.

Which cabbage is the healthiest? ›

It tastes similar to green cabbage. However, the purple variety is richer in beneficial plant compounds that have been linked to health benefits, such as stronger bones and a healthier heart. Purple cabbage is also thought to lower inflammation and protect against certain types of cancers.

Is pickled red cabbage bad for you? ›

2,3 Additionally, red cabbage also contains high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K. 3 Together, these two nutrients assist with skin health, wound healing, blood clotting and bone health! 4,5 This pickled red cabbage packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition.

Is pickled cabbage good for gut health? ›

Sauerkraut is a versatile food full of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Live sauerkraut can also contain probiotic bacteria, which are good for your gut. Some nutrients in sauerkraut may contribute to improved heart health, bone health, immune function, and inflammation.

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