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.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Peel and core the apples, then dice them into small pieces.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 5

Pour the vinegar mixture over the cabbage and apples. Add the whole cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf to the pot.

Step 6

Stir everything well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or sugar, if necessary.

Step 9

Remove and discard the cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1723.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1096.2

Total Fat 24.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 65.8mg	0%
Sodium 2772.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 218.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.3g	0%
Total Sugars 161.8g
Protein 11.4g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 488.1mg	0%
Iron 8.3mg	0%
Potassium 2735.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.5%

Protein: 4.0%

Carbs: 76.5%