Tender-crisp red cabbage transforms into a tangy and savory side dish recipe in this classic German Braised Red Cabbage. This is my twist on traditional Rotkohl, a sweet-sour cabbage dish often served alongside Rouladen and other German entrees.
In a small bowl, place half of the sliced apples. Add the sliced chives and half the vinegar (1 1/2 teaspoons). Stir to combine. Set aside to marinate, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine the cabbage, red onion and water, and cook until the cabbage begins to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the broth, remaining sliced apples, and remaining vinegar. Stir until combined. Cover and cook until cabbage has softened, about 4-6 minutes more. Remove from heat, add marinated apple mixture and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (I like 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper).
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Notes
Apples: To peel, core, and slice the fruit, use a paring knife to carefully peel the apples. On a cutting board, set an apple upright and slice in half. Place each apple half cut-side down and cut in half again (you will now have 4 quarters of an apple). Set each apple quarter on a flat angle side and slice out the core. Cut each cored apple quarter into slices.
Cabbage:To core and slice cabbage, remove any damaged or browned outer leaves and rinse under cold water. On a cutting board, set the head of cabbage upright on the stem and cut in half. Place each cabbage half cut-side down and cut in half again (you will now have 4 quarters of cabbage). Set each cabbage quarter on its outer leaves, exposing the core, and slice out the core away from you. Set each quarter down on a cut-side and slice crosswise from top to bottom.
Chicken broth: Opt for store-bought or homemade broth; either will do. For a vegetarian- or vegan-friendly substitute, use vegetable broth.
Yield: This Braised Red Cabbage recipe makes six 1-cup, side dish-sized servings.
Storage: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days.