Estonian Cabbage
Bring the heartwarming flavors of Eastern Europe to your table with this traditional Estonian Cabbage recipe. This comforting dish combines tender green cabbage, sweet carrots, and savory onions, all simmered to perfection with a touch of butter, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sugar for balance. Seasoned with black pepper and optionally garnished with fresh dill, this side dish is a celebration of rustic simplicity and vibrant flavors. Perfect as a companion to roasted meats or potatoes, or even as a satisfying vegetarian main course, this dish is both versatile and easy to prepare in under an hour. Whether you’re looking to explore authentic Estonian cuisine or simply liven up your dinner rotation, this tender and caramelized cabbage recipe is a delicious way to do it!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head (medium, about 1.5 lbs) green cabbage
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 1 medium, grated carrot
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (optional) dill (fresh, chopped)
Instructions
Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage if they are damaged or dirty. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and slice the quarters into thin strips.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Stir in the grated carrot and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, stirring well to combine it with the onion and carrot mixture.
Pour in the water and cover the skillet with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let the cabbage simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After 20 minutes, stir in the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Continue cooking uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and lightly caramelized.
If desired, stir in fresh chopped dill just before serving for added flavor.
Serve warm as a side dish with meats or potatoes, or enjoy it as a vegetarian main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
523 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.2 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.1 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 3821 mg | 166% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.3 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.1 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.0 g | ||
| Protein | 12.0 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 338 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 1531 mg | 33% | |
*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.
