German Red Cabbage with Apples Recipe
This recipe for German Red Cabbage with Apples offers a no-frills guide to preparing Rotkohl—a beloved side dish in German cuisine known for its sweet and tangy profile.
German Red Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 good-sized red cabbage, shredded
- 4 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 apples, chopped
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon fat (such as butter or drippings)
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Shred cabbage and mix with vinegar, salt, and sugar.
- Cook onion in hot fat until translucent.
- Add cabbage and apples.
- Add boiling water, cloves, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook over low heat until tender.
- If desired, thicken slightly with a little flour.
FAQ
What is Rotkohl?
Rotkohl is a traditional German red cabbage side dish with a sweet-and-tangy flavor, often cooked with apples and warm spices.
Do I have to use all 4 apples?
You can adjust the apple amount to taste—more apples makes it sweeter and mellower.
How do I make it thicker?
The recipe notes you can thicken it with a small amount of flour near the end of cooking.
What goes well with German red cabbage?
It’s a classic side for pork, sausages, roast chicken, and hearty winter meals.