Side dishes

Red cabbage with apples

⏱ 60 min🍳 45 min👤 4 pp★★☆☆☆

Winter offers us tasty and hearty vegetables which help us to stock up on vitamins and to face the winter in the best shape possible. Today I happened upon a fabulous red cabbage. I wanted to cook it in a simple but tasty way, and was inspired by a recipe from Austria. Take an apple, a few cloves, brown sugar and discover with me this dish inspired by the cuisine of the South Tyrol region, perfect for accompanying a main course of roast pork ... What could be better than eating this winter dish, knowing that in addition to it being delicious it is healthy, cabbage being a vegetable rich in essential nutrients? To make this exceptionally tasty recipe you need do no more than what is described in the text and photo-gallery - it will be a breeze!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 120 kcal / serving

Protein
1.5g
Carbohydrates
22g
Fat
3g
Fiber
3g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Total time
45 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Peel the apple and cut it into cubes. Peel and slice the onion. Cut the cabbage into strips. Melt the butter in an earthenware pot, then add the onion until it’s softened. Then add the diced apple and the clove. Stir and leave it till the apple starts to soften. After a few minutes, add the cabbage and sugar. Let the sugar dissolve. Stir, add salt, pepper and vinegar. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes. If necessary, add a ladle of water. It will be ready when the cabbage is soft. Serve hot.

Tips
When you buy a cabbage, make sure that it is compact and has fresh, bright, firm leaves of a good strong colour. Store it in a plastic bag in the least cold part of the fridge for a few days.
Trivia
Cabbages have restorative properties, they are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-neuralgic. Eating them frequently helps to improve disease resistance. The only contra-indication is for those who suffer from thyroid disorders. In addition, it may be useful for those who suffer from acne: take a leaf, remove the main rib and crush it with a rolling pin until liquid appears on its surface, then apply this to your face.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Red Cabbage with Apples and Potatoes

A delicious variant of Red Cabbage with Apples includes the addition of potatoes, which make the dish even more substantial and rich in flavor. To prepare this version, simply peel and dice the potatoes, adding them along with the cabbage and apples. The potatoes, while cooking, will absorb the flavors of the butter, onions, and herbs, creating a perfect harmony. This preparation is ideal for a winter side dish, perfect for accompanying roasted meats or vegetarian dishes. Additionally, the potatoes provide a creamy texture, making the dish very appetizing and satisfying. Don't forget to add a pinch of spices to further enhance the flavor of this mix!

Red Cabbage with Apples Tropeana Style

Red Cabbage with Apples Tropeana Style is a variant that highlights the typical flavors of Calabria, thanks to the use of Tropea onions, sweet and aromatic. In this preparation, the sweetness of the onions perfectly complements the acidity of the apples and the freshness of the cabbage. To make it, proceed as in the traditional recipe, but it is recommended to use apple cider vinegar, which gives a touch of freshness and liveliness to the dish. This side dish is perfect for accompanying meat or fish dishes, but can also be enjoyed on its own as a main dish, thanks to its richness of flavors and versatility. A true celebration of southern cuisine!

Light Red Cabbage with Apples

For those looking for a lighter version of Red Cabbage with Apples, it can be prepared without butter and with a dressing based on extra virgin olive oil. This light variant retains the fresh and genuine flavors of the ingredients, making the dish lighter and suitable for those following a balanced diet. Additionally, the amount of sugar can be reduced, replacing it with a natural sweetener like honey, for a touch of sweetness without weighing down the dish. This preparation is ideal for those who want to enjoy a healthy and nutritious side dish, perfect for accompanying grain or legume-based dishes, without sacrificing taste and goodness.

Benefits of Red Cabbage and Nutritional Values

Red cabbage is a vegetable rich in nutrients and health benefits. It contains antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and fiber, which promote digestion and intestinal well-being. Additionally, it is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to strengthen the immune system. A serving of Red Cabbage with Apples provides about 150 calories, making it a nutritious and light side dish. This dish is ideal for those who want to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor. Including red cabbage in your diet can help improve overall health and prevent certain chronic diseases.

Can Red Cabbage with Apples be frozen?

Many wonder if it is possible to freeze Red Cabbage with Apples to preserve it for longer. The answer is yes, but with some precautions. It is advisable to freeze the dish after cooking, ensuring that it has completely cooled. It is preferable to use airtight containers or food bags to avoid frost formation and preserve flavor. However, it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 months to ensure the best quality. When you wish to use it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in a skillet or microwave, avoiding cooking it again for too long to maintain optimal texture and flavor.