Cranberry Apple Red Cabbage

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Cranberry Apple Red Cabbage dish is a beautiful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy winter dinners. With a vibrant color and a comforting aroma, it's a side dish that steals the show.

Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Red Cabbage

Red cabbage is the star of the show, bringing a gorgeous color and a slightly peppery, robust flavor that's perfect for absorbing the sweet and tangy notes. Olive oil helps to sauté everything, adding a smooth, rich base. The apple adds a natural sweetness and a bit of texture to the dish. Dried cranberries offer a chewy texture and a burst of tangy sweetness. Apple cider vinegar is essential for that tang, cutting through the sweetness and adding depth. Brown sugar helps to caramelize the ingredients, bringing a warmth to the overall flavor. A touch of cinnamon and cloves adds a fragrant spice that makes this dish feel cozy and inviting. Finally, salt and pepper round out the flavors, enhancing the taste of each ingredient.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, toast the spices in the oil before adding the cabbage.
  • If you like a bit of crunch, add some toasted walnuts or pecans just before serving.
  • Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
  • If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of brown sugar slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted pork or chicken, as the flavors complement the savory meats beautifully. It also works well alongside a hearty grain like farro or quinoa for a vegetarian meal. For a festive touch, serve it at Thanksgiving or Christmas as a vibrant side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use green cabbage instead of red cabbage?
Yes, but the color and flavor will be slightly different. Red cabbage is more robust and visually striking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Just reheat before serving.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute white wine vinegar or even lemon juice, but the flavor profile will change slightly.

Cranberry Apple Red Cabbage Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the shredded red cabbage. Stir it around to coat it well with the oil, and let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until it starts to soften.

Next, toss in the diced apple and dried cranberries. Give it a good stir to combine everything, and then pour in the apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves over the top, and stir again to make sure all the ingredients are well mixed.

Now, cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. The cabbage should be tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful side dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • Adds a festive pop of color to any meal.
  • Great way to use up seasonal produce.

Ingredients

1 medium red cabbage, shredded
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large apple, peeled and diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add shredded red cabbage and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in diced apple, dried cranberries, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
4. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!