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Tangy German Red Cabbage – Timeless Side Dish Delight 🥬
This tangy German red cabbage comes together with only 4 basic items and cooks in just half an hour. It hits that perfect spot between sour and sweet flavors. Cooked with butter then finished off with a touch of sugar and balsamic vinegar, it's a flexible side that works great alongside sausages, pork dishes, or any roasted meat.
What Makes This Dish Stand Out?
Drawing from Austrian and German culinary traditions, this dish brings back cherished family cooking memories. The straightforward approach of cooking red cabbage with butter, adding sugar and balsamic vinegar creates a tasty side that's ready quickly but tastes like it took hours. Want to make it fancier? Toss in some apple chunks, cooked onions, or chestnuts for a holiday meal upgrade!
How To Make German Red Cabbage
- Cut the cabbage into two equal parts through the middle.
- Take one half and slice it into quarters, keeping the other portion for another day.
- Starting at the top and working down, cut each quarter into thin strips, and don't worry about removing the core if you like some extra crunch. This way of cutting helps everything cook evenly and turn out nice and tender.
Perfect Pairings For Tangy Red Cabbage
- Roast chicken, duck, or beef dishes for something more fancy. The mix of sweet and sour notes works with just about any meat!
- German favorites like schnitzel or juicy pork burgers.
- Any type of sausage or pork chop for a filling dinner.
Handling Your Leftovers
- Avoid Freezing
- This dish just doesn't feel right after being frozen, so better eat it fresh or from the fridge.
- Reheat
- Just pop it in the microwave or warm it slowly in a pan on low heat.
- Fridge
- Pop any extras in a sealed container and they'll stay good for 5 days.
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Festive Season Twists
- Roasted chestnuts to add a buttery, nutty element. These little touches can turn your everyday side into something special for the holidays!
- Sautéed onions that bring more flavor complexity.
- Diced apples for a bit of natural sweetness.
Reasons You'll Enjoy This Dish
- Flavorful
- A mix of sweet, tangy, and buttery that everyone at the table will enjoy.
- Versatile
- Fits in with regular weeknight meals or fancy holiday dinners.
- Minimal Ingredients
- Only needs 4 things you probably already have.
- Quick & Easy
- From chopping to table in just 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why slice cabbage thin?
Thin slices cook more evenly and tender while maintaining texture.
- → Can I use different vinegar?
Yes, apple cider or red wine vinegar work well too.
- → Why does cooking time vary?
Older cabbage may take longer to become tender than fresh.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Yes, flavors improve with time. Reheat gently before serving.
- → Is this dish served hot or cold?
Traditionally served hot, but also good at room temperature.