Red Cabbage Without Bacon - Traditional German Recipe
Braised red cabbage is a popular German side dish.
Cabbage is one of the oldest leaf vegetables that humans used. Even the Ancient Greeks and Romans grew 14 different types of cabbage.
They all stemmed from the wild cabbage – the red cabbage as well. The close relative of the white cabbage was first mentioned in writing by Hildegard of Bingen in the 12th century.
Because it was a cheap and easily stored vegetable compared to many others, it was a staple on the meal plan of the poor.
Red cabbage was even seen as a remedy for the black death, boils and asthma in the Medieval Ages.
How is Red Cabbage called in German?
Red Cabbage is called either "Rotkraut", "Blaukraut" or "Rotkohl".
How to pronounce "Rotkohl"?
Listen to this audio file to hear how to say "Rotkohl" in German.
Red Cabbage
Like all types of cabbage, the red cabbage also stems from the wild cabbage, that is at home on the coast of South England, Ireland and France. Today wild cabbage is still grown in Heligoland (Germany).
For a long time, it was a key element of poor peoples diets, because it was a cheap and easily stored vegetable compared to many others, that provided Vitamin C in the winter time.
How to make German Red Cabbage without Bacon Video Tutorial
Authentic German Red Cabbage Recipe
Recipe
German Red Cabbage without Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 medium head red cabbage
- 2 apples or 1 ½ cups apple sauce
- 1 onion
- 3 tbsp. sugar
- 2 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tbsp. goose lard alternatively Butterschmalz or avocado oil
- 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
- ¼ chicken or vegetable broth alternatively apple juice
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 4 tbsp. flour
- 2 cups red wine alternatively grape juice
Instructions
- Remove outer leaves of cabbage, cut into 8 wedges and remove core.
- Shred the wedges finely.
- Peel and core apples and shred finely.
- Cube the onion finely.
- Heat the lard over medium high, add the onions and sugar and caramelize.
- Add the shredded cabbage and apples and braise for a couple of minutes.
- Add the vinegar and stir well.
- Add the bay leaves, cloves the broth.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes and stir occasionally.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper and flour.
- Stir well and add red wine.
- Simmer until the cabbage is soft.
Serving Tip: This dish tastes the best if you reheat it. It is perfect to cook it the day before you plan to serve it. This recipe is well suited for canning as well.
Nutrition
Tips
Red cabbage can be stored for at least 14 days in the fridge. Once cut into, it should be covered with cling film and placed in the fridge as well.
That way it stays fresh longer – though the vitamin C content is lost relatively quickly.
Brittany says
This recipe looks fantastic! Is there a big difference in taste between using red wine vs grapejuice? I can't wait to try this out. Thank you for sharing!
Angela Schofield says
Thanks, for the question, Brittany. There will be a slight difference in taste if you are using grape juice. I personally prefer red wine, the alcohol will cook off during the simmering time.