Red Wine–Braised Cabbage and Onions

A luxurious side dish of red cabbage and onions slowly braised in red wine, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic spices. The addition of sweet apple and butter creates a perfect balance of flavors.

8 servings
2 hr 35 min

Ingredients

  • ¾ stick unsalted butter
  • pound red onions
  • 1 head red cabbage
  • 2 cups dry red wine
  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ cup red-wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 whole sweet apple
  • tablespoons sugar
  • teaspoons salt
  • 10 whole black peppercorns
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 piece cheesecloth and string

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat butter in a 6- to 8-quart wide heavy pot over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then cook onion and cabbage, stirring frequently, until wilted and slightly browned, about 20 minutes.

    20 min

  2. 2.

    Add wine, water, vinegars, apple, sugar, and salt and bring to a boil.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Wrap peppercorns, cloves, and bay leaf in cheesecloth and tie with string. Add to cabbage mixture, then cover cabbage directly with a round of parchment or wax paper and cover pot with lid. Reduce heat and simmer until cabbage is very tender, about 2 hours.

    120 min

  4. 4.

    Discard cheesecloth bundle and season cabbage with salt and pepper.

    5 min