Rotkraut: Sweet and sour red cabbage.
Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage, popularly known as 'Rotkraut', is a classic German side dish often served with hearty meats and sausages. This delectable dish involves braising finely sliced red cabbage with a perfect balance of tart vinegar and sweet apples, along with aromatic spices like cloves, bay leaves, and juniper berries. Onions and a bit of sugar are added to the mix, creating a deeply flavorful and tender cabbage dish that harmonizes sweet, sour, and earthy tones. It's a comforting and vibrant addition to any traditional meal especially during fall and winter months.
Introduction:
Welcome to a taste of traditional German cuisine with my Hearty German Red Cabbage recipe! This dish is a staple side in Germany, known for its vibrant color and rich blend of flavors. It pairs perfectly with robust meats and potatoes, making it an ideal addition to your family dinner or festive gathering. Let's embark on a culinary journey and bring a piece of Germany to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized head of red cabbage
- 2 tart apples, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of oil or goose fat (goolard)
- 2 sticks of cinnamon
- 5 whole allspice
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cloves
- 3 juniper berries
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup water, more if needed
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup black currant jelly (or fruit spread with seeds removed)
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hour and 5 mins
Equipment: Knife, Cutting board, Large pot, Sieve, Stove
Cooking Tips: Adjust the sweetness to taste, and remember to remove the whole spices before serving.
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
1. Begin by removing the outer leaves of the red cabbage. Slice it in half, then quarters, and finely shred it into thin strips with a knife or a shredding tool. Set aside.
2. Peel and dice the tart apples. Chop the onion finely.
3. Heat oil or goose fat in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the shredded red cabbage and diced apples to the pot. Stir and sauté the mixture for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Add red wine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon sticks, allspice, cloves, and juniper berries to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for about 45 minutes. Check occasionally and add more water if the mixture appears too dry.
7. Meanwhile, warm up the black currant jelly in a separate pot or in the microwave. Strain through a sieve to remove any seeds, then set the jelly aside.
8. After 45 minutes, taste the cabbage and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Stir in the prepared black currant jelly, ensuring it's well incorporated.
9. Continue to simmer the red cabbage until it reaches a tender, yet slightly firm texture.
10. Before serving, remove the whole spices (cinnamon sticks, bay leaf, allspice, cloves, and juniper berries) for a pleasant dining experience.
11. Serve the hearty red cabbage as a delicious side dish with your favorite meats and enjoy the robust, warming flavors.
This recipe is kindly attributed to My German Recipes. To explore more authentic dishes, visit their YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@MyGermanRecipes.
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YouTube channel - My German Recipes: https://www.youtube.com/@MyGermanRecipes
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