Mom's Sweet-and-Sour Red Cabbage

A classic sweet and sour red cabbage dish made with fresh apples, aromatic spices, and a perfect balance of red currant jelly and balsamic vinegar. This traditional side dish pairs perfectly with hearty meals and can be made ahead.

6 servings
57 min

Ingredients

  • 1 head red cabbage
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 whole red onion
  • 2 whole fuji apples
  • 3 whole juniper berries
  • 3 whole allspice berries
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 whole bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons red currant jelly
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    1. Using a box grater, mandoline, or a coarse Microplane grater, grate the cabbage. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2 minutes.

    7 min

  2. 2.

    2. Lower the heat to medium; add the cabbage and apples and stir to combine. Add the juniper berries, allspice berries, cloves, bay leaf, salt, pepper, jelly, vinegar, sugar, and 1/2 cup (120ml) of water and stir to combine. Turn the heat to low, cover, and cook for 40 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.

    45 min

  3. 3.

    3. Remove the juniper berries, allspice berries, cloves, and bay leaf. Serve the cabbage hot or at room temperature. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Leftovers can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

    5 min