Description
A traditional Polish red cabbage recipe featuring tender braised cabbage, apples, vinegar, and warm spices for the perfect sweet-and-sour side dish.
Ingredients
Units Scale
- 1 large red cabbage (about 2 1/2 pounds / 1.1 kg), shredded
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and grated
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water or vegetable broth
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by removing the tough core from the cabbage and slicing it into very thin strips. Peel and grate the apples and finely dice the onion.
- Cook the onion by melting the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, fragrant, and translucent.
- Add the cabbage and stir thoroughly so every piece becomes coated with butter and onions.
- Mix in the apples and stir until evenly distributed throughout the cabbage.
- Add the seasonings including vinegar, sugar, cloves, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and water.
- Bring everything to a simmer while stirring frequently to ensure the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Cover and braise slowly over low heat for 60 to 75 minutes. Stir every 10 to 15 minutes and add a splash of water if necessary.
- Test for tenderness by tasting a small piece. The cabbage should be soft but not mushy.
- Adjust the flavor with additional vinegar for more tang or sugar for extra sweetness.
- Thicken if desired by stirring together cornstarch and water before mixing it into the cabbage.
- Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove the bay leaf and cloves before serving warm.
Notes
This recipe tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for holidays and entertaining.
Adjust the sweet-and-sour balance to suit your preferences.
For extra depth, add a spoonful of plum or raspberry preserves during the final minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
