Sweet Savory Braised Cabbage
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Sweet & Savory Braised Cabbage
Fancy a proper bit of comfort food? Ever wondered how to make cabbage taste amazing ? Honestly, this Sweet & Savory Braised Cabbage recipe will change your mind about this often overlooked veggie.
It’s got that sweet and savory thing going on, making it totally addictive.
This recipe takes inspo from Eastern European braised red cabbage recipe , but it's dead easy. Think German braised cabbage but with British pub vibes.
It's a one-pot wonder that's ready in just over an hour. This recipe serves six, making it ideal for family dinners or a cheeky Sunday roast side.
Why You'll Love This Cabbage Side Dish Recipe
One of the top health benefits? Cabbage is packed with Vitamin C. This cabbage recipes southern is perfect alongside bangers and mash.
It's a great St Patrick's Day Cabbage Recipe twist too. What makes it special? The balance of sweet apples, savoury bacon, and a touch of vinegar creates a flavour explosion.
Quick & Easy: Cooked Cabbage Recipes
This isn’t your nan’s boring boiled cabbage. This is easy cabbage recipes taken to the next level. We're talking crispy bacon, sweet apples, and tender cabbage all mingling together.
This will definitely be one of your favourite savoy cabbage recipes .
Let's Gather Our Bits & Pieces
Ready to get cracking? First, you'll need a couple of rashers of bacon, chopped, a large onion (thinly sliced, mind), and a medium head of green cabbage.
Oh, and don’t forget a large apple, peeled and chopped Granny Smiths work a treat! You will require the following ingredients and equipment listed:
- For the Braised Cabbage:
- 2 slices bacon, chopped (US: 2 slices, Metric: approx. 50g)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (US: 1 large, Metric: approx. 200g)
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and shredded (US: 1 medium, Metric: approx. 1kg)
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) (US: 1 large, Metric: approx. 200g)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (US: 2 tablespoons, Metric: 30ml)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (US: 1 tablespoon, Metric: 12g)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (US: 1 teaspoon, Metric: 2g)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian) (US: ½ cup, Metric: 120ml)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Equipment:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Time to get chopping, people! The secret to delicious fried cabbage recipes lies in the preparation.
Sweet & Savory Braised Cabbage: Ingredients & Equipment
Ready to learn how to make cabbage into something truly special? This cooked cabbage recipe is simple but so yummy.
Seriously, even if you think you hate cabbage, give this a go. It’s an easy cabbage recipe that's perfect as a side.
This isn't your grandma's bland boiled cabbage!
Main Ingredients for Braised Cabbage
- Bacon: 2 slices , chopped (About 50g ) Adds a smoky base. Look for good quality streaky bacon.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large , thinly sliced (Around 200g ) Yellow onions sweeten as they cook.
- Green Cabbage: 1 medium head , shredded (Approx. 1 kg ) Fresh and crisp is best.
- Apple: 1 large , chopped (About 200g ) Tart apples are great here. Granny Smiths add a nice tang.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) Adds a touch of acidity.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon ( 12g ) Balances the vinegar.
- Caraway Seeds: 1 teaspoon ( 2g ) These are key for that classic flavor.
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup ( 120ml ) Adds moisture. Use vegetable broth for a cabbage recipes southern twist.
Seasoning Notes
Caraway seeds, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar are the stars. This trio brings a unique flavour. Don't skip the caraway! Salt and pepper, of course.
If you don't have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar works too. Maple syrup can replace brown sugar. These alternatives will keep the flavour similar, but you could lose some of the original aroma.
Essential Equipment
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: A must have for braising. It helps get those cabbage side dish recipes to perfection.
- Cutting Board and Chef's Knife: For chopping veggies.
Don't have a Dutch oven? A large skillet with a lid works fine. Just make sure it’s big enough! Honestly, this is one of those savoy cabbage recipes that's so forgiving.
It's amazing how to make cabbage into so many forms like fried cabbage recipes , sweet and sour cabbage recipe , german braised cabbage , or even a tasty St Patrick’s Day cabbage recipe if you change up the spices.
Sweet & Savory Braised Cabbage
This comforting braised cabbage recipe is a winner. It's a really easy way to enjoy this humble veg. It has a delicious balance of sweet and savoury.
Perfect as a side or a light meal. This one's gonna be a family fave, honest!
Prep Steps
Essential Mise en Place
First things first. Chop 2 slices of bacon. Thinly slice 1 large yellow onion. Shred 1 medium head of green cabbage.
Chop 1 large apple. Then grab your apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, caraway seeds, and broth.
Time Saving Organization Tips
Honestly, prepping everything before you start is key. It makes the whole process so much smoother. I always get all my veggies chopped. It helps loads.
step-by-step Process
How to Make Cabbage: Braised to Perfection
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the onion to the bacon fat. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes.
- Add shredded cabbage and chopped apple. Toss to combine.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon caraway seeds. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in ½ cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 30- 40 minutes . Cook until the cabbage is tender.
- Stir in the cooked bacon during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Taste and season as needed. Serve hot.
Pro Tips
Expert Techniques and Shortcuts for Cooked Cabbage Recipes
Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. Taste the cabbage and adjust seasoning. The sweetness should balance the acidity. You can add a pinch of red pepper for some spice.
Avoid these Common Mistakes
Don't skip browning the bacon. That's the flavor bomb. Go low and slow. High heat will ruin everything.
make-ahead Options for Easy Cabbage Recipes
This German braised cabbage dish is even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Some people like to make the Braised red cabbage recipe in a big pot. But I like the skillet.
There you have it! This sweet and sour cabbage recipe is so simple, right? And it's absolutely delicious. Give it a try.
I promise you won't be disappointed. This cabbage side dish recipes is perfect for any occasion. Maybe even for St Patrick’s Day Cabbage Recipe.
You can try also with Savoy cabbage recipes!
Recipe Notes: Sweet & Savory Braised Cabbage
So, you're about to dive into how to make cabbage . Awesome! Here are a few extra tips to make sure it turns out brilliantly.
Honestly, even the simplest recipes have little secrets.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, you know? This cabbage side dish recipe looks great sprinkled with fresh parsley. For a fancy touch, try a swirl of sour cream on top.
Think about serving it with proper pub grub like bangers and mash or maybe alongside some roast pork. A nice, crisp apple cider would be fab too.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Got leftovers? This sweet and sour cabbage recipe keeps well. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It will be good for up to three days.
Reheat it gently on the hob or in the microwave. Freezing isn’t really recommended. The texture might get a bit mushy.
Variations: Get Creative!
Fancy a bit of a twist? For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth. It will still be a tasty braised red cabbage recipe ! If you're feeling spicy, chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
If you're looking at doing Savoy cabbage recipes , you may have to adjust cooking times, as they are slightly different.
Also, you may find that a St Patrick’s Day cabbage recipe can be made even better by adding bacon.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
This braised cabbage is surprisingly good for you. It's low in calories, around 120 per serving. It's also packed with fiber and vitamins.
Cabbage is a proper superfood, you know? I had to read up on Cooked Cabbage Recipes to understand the many benefits.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. Don't be afraid to tweak things to your liking. Enjoy your delicious, easy cabbage recipes !
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make cabbage less bitter?
Some cabbage varieties can have a slightly bitter taste, but don't let that put you off! A simple way to combat this is by blanching the shredded cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes before adding it to the skillet.
The sweetness in this braised cabbage recipe, along with the vinegar, also helps to balance any residual bitterness. Think of it like balancing the flavors in a good old cuppa a little sugar goes a long way!
What's the best way to store leftover braised cabbage?
Leftover braised cabbage is a treat for the next day, just like Boxing Day leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
The flavors often meld even more beautifully overnight, so you might find it tastes even better the second time around.
Can I freeze this "how to make cabbage" recipe?
Yes, you can freeze this braised cabbage, although the texture might change slightly upon thawing. Place the cooled cabbage in freezer safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Just remember, fresh is always best, but freezing is a perfectly acceptable option for batch cooking!
I'm vegetarian. How can I adapt this recipe?
Going meat free is easy peasy! Simply omit the bacon from the recipe and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. A tablespoon of olive oil or butter can add a touch of richness to compensate for the bacon fat. You might also consider adding some smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavour, reminiscent of the bacon.
It's a cracking vegetarian option!
Can I use different types of cabbage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for green cabbage, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Red cabbage will add a lovely color and slightly different flavor profile, although it may require a bit more cooking time. Savoy cabbage has a milder flavor and more tender texture, so it will cook faster.
Just be mindful of the cooking time and adjust as needed, and remember that green cabbage is the most classic option!
Is braised cabbage good for me?
Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber! This braised cabbage recipe is a delicious way to enjoy its health benefits. It's relatively low in calories and fat (especially if you go easy on the bacon!).
Fiber aids digestion and keeps you feeling full, and the vitamins support overall health. So, tuck in and enjoy this guilt free comfort food!
Sweet Savory Braised Cabbage
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 4g |