Discover the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with this classic German Sweet Sour Cabbage recipe! Made with vibrant red cabbage, tart Granny Smith apple, and a medley of warm spices like ground cloves, this dish delivers a delightful explosion of flavors. Slow-simmered in apple cider vinegar, sugar, and just the right touch of butter, the tender cabbage becomes infused with rich, well-rounded goodness. Perfect as a comforting side dish, this traditional German recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sausages, or holiday feasts. Whether you're exploring authentic German cuisine or just looking to elevate your vegetable sides, this sweet and sour cabbage is a simple yet impressive crowd-pleaser.
Remove the tough outer leaves from the red cabbage. Cut it into quarters, remove the core, and thinly slice the cabbage into shreds using a sharp knife or mandoline.
Peel, core, and dice the apple into small chunks. Set aside.
In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions.
Add the diced apple, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and ground cloves. Stir well to evenly coat the cabbage mixture with the seasonings.
Pour in the water, then cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this sweet and sour cabbage warm as a side dish.
Calories |
777 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.6 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.5 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 2620 mg | 114% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.8 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 27.4 g | 98% | |
| Total Sugars | 87.1 g | ||
| Protein | 12.1 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 466 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 2650 mg | 56% | |
*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.