Danish Pickled Red Cabbage Roedkaal
Transform your table with the tangy, sweet, and spiced flavors of Danish Pickled Red Cabbage, or Rødkål, a beloved Scandinavian side dish perfect for the holidays or any hearty meal. Made with vibrant red cabbage, tart apples, and a warm blend of spices like cloves and cinnamon, this dish is gently simmered in a flavorful mixture of apple cider vinegar and sugar until tender and beautifully infused. A touch of butter adds richness, while bay leaf enhances its depth. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this traditional recipe pairs wonderfully with roast pork, duck, or as a vibrant addition to smørrebrød. Its balance of sweet and sour makes it a versatile condiment and a must-try for lovers of bold, comforting flavors.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head (approximately 2 pounds) red cabbage
- 250 ml apple cider vinegar
- 125 ml water
- 100 grams granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 pieces whole cloves
- 1 piece cinnamon stick
- 1 piece bay leaf
- 2 pieces apples (preferably tart, like Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Remove the outer leaves of the red cabbage and cut it into quarters. Remove the core and shred the cabbage finely using a sharp knife or a mandoline.
Peel and core the apples, then dice them into small pieces.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage and diced apples, stirring to coat them in the melted butter.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
Pour the vinegar mixture over the cabbage and apples. Add the whole cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf to the pot.
Stir everything well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Cover the pot and let the cabbage cook for 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent it from sticking.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or sugar, if necessary.
Remove and discard the cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
195 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.5 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 401 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.3 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.1 g | ||
| Protein | 2.7 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 93 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 467 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
