German Red Cabbage with Apples Recipe
This traditional German red cabbage recipe, known as Rotkohl, is a sweet and tangy braised side dish made with red cabbage, apples, and aromatic spices. It requires only 5 minutes of prep time and simmers gently on the stovetop, making it an easy, family- and budget-friendly accompaniment perfect for pairing with roasted meats like pork, beef, or goose. The dish can be made ahead and freezes well, capturing the comforting flavors of authentic German home cooking without added sugar.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Sugar Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium red cabbage, finely shredded, 800g / 1.75lb
- 7 oz vegetable broth, 200ml / generous ¾ cup
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar, 80ml
- 3 tablespoons golden monk fruit sweetener or any 1:1 sugar substitute of choice
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 whole star anise
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 small red apples, cored and cut into wedges (or 2 cups chopped)
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and cut it into quarters. Cut out the tough stem at the bottom of each quarter. Then finely shred the cabbage using a mandoline or carefully slice it very thinly with a sharp knife to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
- Start Braising: Place all the ingredients except the apples into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and absorb the flavors of the broth and spices.
- Add the Apples and Finish Cooking: Core and slice or chop the apples, then fold them into the cabbage mixture. Continue to braise on low heat, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated and both the cabbage and apples are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning with sea salt as needed before serving.
Notes
- Net carbs are approximately 9g per serving with apples, and 5.5g per serving without apples.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- This dish freezes well for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Use a protective glove when slicing cabbage with a mandoline to prevent cuts.
- If the liquid evaporates too quickly during cooking, add extra broth as needed to keep the cabbage moist.
Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/german-red-cabbage-with-apples-recipe/
