German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl Recipe)

german red cabbage sprinkled with parsley in a bowl.

5 from 1 vote

German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl Recipe)

How to make traditional German red cabbage, the perfect side dish recipe for goulash, roast beef, goose, or duck. Easy to make, economical, and incredibly flavorful.

Prep Time15

Cook Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: German Sides, Side Dishes

Cuisine: German

Diet: Low Calorie, Low Fat, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 270kcal

Author: Adina

Equipment

Large pan or Dutch oven

Ingredients

2.2 lbs red cabbage 1 kg, Note 1
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 small apples tangy, Note 2
3 bay leaves
¼ teaspoon allspice
5 juniper berries
3 cloves
1 cup red wine 250 ml
1 splash red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 pinch granulated sugar to taste
fine sea salt and ground black pepper

Instructions

Cabbage and apples: Remove the tough outer leaves. Quarter the red cabbage and remove the core. Shred the cabbage finely. Peel apples and cut them into small cubes if you use apples instead of apple sauce.
Caramelize sugar: Melt the butter in a large pan. Sprinkle the sugar in the pot and let it caramelize (don’t let it burn).
Sauté red cabbage: Add cabbage and apples and sauté lightly for about 5 minutes, often stirring. Add 3 bay leaves, ¼ teaspoon allspice, 5 juniper berries, 3 cloves, 1 cup red wine, and 1 splash of vinegar. Add about ½ teaspoon salt and some black pepper.
If using apple sauce instead of fresh apples, add it now.
Simmer: Cover the pot, turn down the heat, and let the red cabbage simmer for 1 hour. Stir from time to time and add more red wine if necessary (I didn't need to, but keep an eye on the pot, it should not get too dry).
Check for salt and pepper and for more sweetness or sourness. Add a pinch of sugar and a little red wine or balsamic vinegar (to taste) to balance and sweet and sour flavor.

Notes

If the cabbage is larger and you want to make a larger batch increase the rest of the ingredients accordingly. The cooked red cabbage freezes very well.
Replace apples with ½ cup (100 g/ 3.5 oz) unsweetened or lightly sweetened apple sauce. Add it to the pot together with the spices, red wine, and vinegar.

Nutrition