Colorful Side Dish with Impressive Health Benefits
Sweet-sour red cabbage is a classic dish that pairs well with many dishes. Much like the discarded bottle of “purple stuff” in the back of the refrigerator in the SunnyD commercial, I occasionally find a partial head of red cabbage hidden in the produce drawer. Due to its vibrant color, I often add red cabbage to salads, slaws, and stir-fries, but I tend to overlook making a traditional side dish of sweet and sour red cabbage. That is unfortunate because red cabbage boasts an impressive list of health benefits. Try this delicious and nutritious recipe that sweetens the cabbage with honey and apples and enhances its flavor with apple cider vinegar.
Health Benefits of Red Cabbage
1. Increases fiber in the diet.
2. Reduces caloric intake – one cup of cooked cabbage has 29 calories.
3. High in nutrients – Vitamin C, K, and B6 and potassium, folate, manganese, calcium, and magnesium
4. Boosts the immune system from powerful antioxidants in the vegetable
5. Fights disease through anthocyanins, the plant compound that gives red cabbage its color. Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid, and studies show that they may play an essential role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cognitive decline, and cancer.
6. Slows down carbohydrate digestion from anthocyanins
7. Contains anti-inflammatory properties
How to Cut Red Cabbage
1
Use one small cabbage or 1/2 large cabbage.
2
Remove and discard outer layer and trim stem.
3
Quarter cabbage & remove the core.
4
Cut thin slices on the short side of the cabbage pieces.
5
Continue to slice all pieces.
6
Measure and use any leftovers in slaw or salads
Serve Sweet-Sour Red Cabbage With
Classic Sweet-Sour Red Cabbage with Apples
Take advantage of the nourishing attributes of red cabbage by making this recipe. You receive the benefits of cabbage listed above, and it is sugar-free because it is sweetened with apples and raw honey. Additionally, apple cider vinegar (ACV) provides a delicious tang and a health boost. ACV is fermented and contains probiotics that promote gut health.
Sweet and sour red cabbage is a suitable option for those following a detox diet, the Paleo diet, the Keto diet, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), and the Mediterranean diet. I sometimes swirl some balsamic vinegar or glaze on the dish before serving, but be aware that many store-bought products contain added sugar. If you follow the SCD and can’t find legal balsamic vinegar, you can make a homemade SCD substitute or omit the ingredient.
Red cabbage is NOT just for winter container gardens or used sparingly with other vegetables to add color. It is a tremendous stand-alone veggie that is both delicious and nutritious. For more information on the wholesome advantages of red cabbage and anthocyanins, check out this post on the Very Well Health website.
More cabbage recipes to try
Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage - Budget Friendly
This hardy vegetable is suitable for your budget because it is inexpensive and has a long shelf life. It keeps for 3+ weeks in the refrigerator. Read more about storing cabbage from the Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center. One cabbage head can be used in several recipes throughout the week. A small head of cabbage yields approximately 8 cups of sliced cabbage. If you have leftover cabbage, add color and nutrition to a stir fry, coleslaw, or salad.
Equipment Needed
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Classic Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage with Apples
This colorful sweet-sour red cabbage with apple recipe has an impressive list of health benefits and is an excellent side dish with pork tenderloin, pork chops, or ribs.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Vegetable
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small head of cabbage or half of a large head (8 cups of red cabbage, thinly sliced)
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 granny smith green apples, cored and sliced, and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/4 cup water*
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1 – 2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar glaze is optional, and read the label on the store-bought for added sugar.
Instructions
1. Cut Cabbage – Remove the outside leaves of the cabbage. Trim the end of the cabbage (see illustrations in the post). Cut the cabbage in half and then quarters. Remove the core by cutting at an angle—cut cabbage into thin strips on the short end of the quartered pieces with a knife. Discard or compost outer leaves and core. **
2. Cook Cabbage: Heat oil in a medium-sized saucepan. Stir in cabbage, onion, and salt and saute until cabbage starts to wilt for about 5 minutes. Stir in apple and water, salt, and pepper—cover and simmer for about 15 – 20 minutes or when the apples and cabbage are soft.
3. Mix sweet-sour sauce: Pour vinegar and honey into a small bowl and whisk to combine. Add sauce to the cabbage and stir to combine. Cook another 5 to 6 minutes. Place cabbage mixture into a serving bowl and drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired.
Notes
*May need to add more water
**Alternatively, you can slice quartered cabbage pieces on a mandolin or use a food processor fitted with a slicing blade on medium width. The knife is effective and fast since the cabbage layers make slicing effortless.
Note: One small head (slightly larger than a softball) yields 8 cups of sliced cabbage.
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11 responses to “Classic Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage with Apples”
Can this be eaten cold? I’m thinking of taking it to a picnic.
Yes, this dish can be eaten cold or room temperature. I think red cabbage would be a colorful and welcomed item on a picnic spread.
My family and I loved the red cabbage with apples!! Easy to make – I just chop rather than grate the cabbage. It is delicious – I will definitely make again !
Monica, Thank you for taking the time to write your endorsement. I hope it becomes a regular dish for your family.
I have made this several times and it has always been well-liked by family and friends. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the thumbs up.
Yummy with grilled salmon and thanks for the safety tip.
I am about to make this and curious … is the onion a preference or is there a specific onion you suggest? I am leaning towards white figuring it is the least likely to get lost in the other flavors.
Good question. I use red onion but yellow or white will work as well. Thanks for giving the recipe a try.
This sweet and sour cabbage recipe is delicious and easy to make. I served it with my Impossible Burger for dinner and then ate the leftovers for lunch. This is a winner!! Mmmmmmm. I have never understood why they call it red cabbage when in fact it is purple.
Susan I really appreciate the great review. Glad you like the purple stuff.