German Rotkohl Spiced Red Cabbage with Apples and Wine

Infused with the flavors of tradition and comfort, German Rotkohl Spiced Red Cabbage with Apples and Wine is a quintessential side dish that brings a burst of vibrant color and rich, tangy sweetness to your table. This classic recipe combines tender red cabbage with the warmth of cinnamon, the depth of red wine, and the crisp sweetness of apples, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Simmered slowly with aromatic bay leaf and cloves, this dish boasts a deep, savory complexity that complements hearty mains like roasted meats, sausages, or rustic potatoes. Easy to prepare in a single pot, this traditional German recipe is not just delicious but also a visually stunning addition to any meal. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy dinner, this spiced red cabbage dish is a must-try for lovers of comforting, globally inspired cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 head (about 2 lbs) red cabbage
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 medium, peeled, cored, and diced apples
• 1 cup red wine
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cloves
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cup (optional, if needed) water

Directions

Step 1

Remove the outer leaves of the red cabbage, then cut it into quarters and remove the core. Shred the cabbage finely using a knife or mandoline.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the diced apples and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 5

Add the shredded cabbage to the pot, stirring well to combine it with the onions and apples.

Step 6

Pour in the red wine and apple cider vinegar, then sprinkle the sugar, salt, and black pepper over the mixture.

Step 7

Add the bay leaf, cloves, and ground cinnamon, then stir everything together.

Step 8

Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally and add up to 0.5 cups of water if the mixture looks dry.

Step 9

Once the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together, remove it from heat. Discard the bay leaf and cloves before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish alongside roasted meat, sausages, or potatoes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1851.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1066.0

Total Fat 25.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 65.8mg	0%
Sodium 2792.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 169.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.4g	0%
Total Sugars 100.3g
Protein 13.4g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 553.0mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 3176.1mg	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: 24.0%

Protein: 5.6%

Carbs: 70.4%