Sweet Sour Red Cabbage German

Transform your dinner table with the bold yet comforting flavors of Sweet and Sour German Red Cabbage, a traditional European side dish that strikes the perfect balance between tangy and subtly sweet. This vibrant recipe features tender, slow-cooked red cabbage combined with tart Granny Smith apples, caramelized onions, and a medley of warming spices like cloves and nutmeg. A touch of apple cider vinegar and sugar creates the signature sweet-and-sour flavor, while a buttery base adds richness to every bite. Perfect as a flavorful accompaniment to roast meats, sausages, or hearty potatoes, this family-friendly dish is easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re hosting an Oktoberfest feast or simply seeking a new side dish, this recipe delivers authentic German-inspired goodness with every forkful!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 head (medium size) Red cabbage
• 1 large Apple (preferably tart, such as Granny Smith)
• 1 medium Yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons White granulated sugar
• 0.125 teaspoons Ground cloves
• 0.125 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Remove the outer leaves of the red cabbage and rinse thoroughly. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and thinly slice the leaves into shreds.

Step 2

Peel and core the apple, then grate it using a medium-fine grater. Set aside.

Step 3

Peel and finely chop the onion.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the grated apple and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Add the shredded red cabbage to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and apple mixture.

Step 8

Sprinkle the apple cider vinegar, sugar, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper over the cabbage. Toss everything together to evenly coat the cabbage with the seasonings.

Step 9

Pour in the water, then cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash more water to prevent the cabbage from sticking.

Step 10

Taste the cabbage after it has finished cooking and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve warm as a side dish to complement roast meats, sausages, or potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1442.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	756.2

Total Fat 25.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 2621.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 137.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.1g	0%
Total Sugars 83.3g
Protein 12.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 467.8mg	0%
Iron 8.1mg	0%
Potassium 2679.8mg	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: 27.9%

Protein: 6.0%

Carbs: 66.2%