Here’s a recipe for Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Wine—a delicious, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish that's perfect for autumn or as a complement to a variety of main courses.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients:
- Thinly slice the red cabbage and onion.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples.
- Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the cabbage and apples:
- Add the sliced red cabbage and apples to the pot. Stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
4. Add the liquids and seasonings:
- Pour in the red wine, apple cider or apple juice, and apple cider vinegar.
- Stir in the brown sugar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Braise the cabbage:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally.
6. Adjust seasoning and serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of bacon or pancetta when sautéing the onions.
- If you prefer a more tangy flavor, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar.
This Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Wine is a wonderful side dish that pairs well with roasted meats, sausages, or even as a standalone vegetarian option. Enjoy!
