Rotkohl (Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage) | German Recipes
Bring a taste of Germany to your table with Rotkohl, a sweet and tangy red cabbage dish traditionally served as a side at festive meals. Slowly cooked with apples, vinegar, sugar, and spices, this vibrant dish pairs beautifully with roast meats and hearty entrees. Rotkohl is simple to make and gets even more flavorful with time, making it an ideal make-ahead recipe that’s perfect for holidays or family dinners alike.
Rotkohl, or sweet and sour red cabbage, is a staple in German cuisine, especially during the holiday season. This dish starts by gently cooking shredded red cabbage with apples, onions, vinegar, and a touch of sugar for balance. The result is a beautiful deep purple side that’s tangy, sweet, and savory all at once. Slow-cooked on the stovetop, Rotkohl becomes tender and full of flavor, making it an excellent accompaniment to rich, hearty dishes like roasted meats, sausages, or even vegetarian mains. Customize the seasoning to your taste, or prepare it a day ahead for even deeper flavors.
- 1 medium red cabbage, shredded
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp butter
- Prepare the cabbage
Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, cut it in half, and remove the core. Shred the cabbage into thin strips.
- Sauté onions and apples
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and apple, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add cabbage and seasoning
Stir in the shredded cabbage, then add vinegar, brown sugar, salt, allspice, and cloves. Mix everything well to coat the cabbage with the seasonings.
- Cook the cabbage
Pour in the water or vegetable broth, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded.
- Rest and serve
Let the Rotkohl rest for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm as a side dish.
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
- Calories from Fat 36kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4g7%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 5mg2%
- Sodium 200mg9%
- Potassium 300mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 1g2%
- Vitamin A 600 IU
- Vitamin C 40 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 8 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 0.5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Folate 30 mcg
- Phosphorus 50 mg
- Magnesium 15 mmol
- Zinc 0.2 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Storage: Leftover Rotkohl can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor deepens over time, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.
- Customize Sweetness: Adjust the sugar based on preference. For a sweeter flavor, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Make it a Meal: Serve Rotkohl alongside roast goose, pork, or sausages for a complete, traditional German meal.
- Add a Twist: Enhance flavor with a bay leaf, juniper berries, or even a cinnamon stick for a holiday twist.
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