German Sweet Sour Cabbage

Discover the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with this classic German Sweet Sour Cabbage recipe! Made with vibrant red cabbage, tart Granny Smith apple, and a medley of warm spices like ground cloves, this dish delivers a delightful explosion of flavors. Slow-simmered in apple cider vinegar, sugar, and just the right touch of butter, the tender cabbage becomes infused with rich, well-rounded goodness. Perfect as a comforting side dish, this traditional German recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sausages, or holiday feasts. Whether you're exploring authentic German cuisine or just looking to elevate your vegetable sides, this sweet and sour cabbage is a simple yet impressive crowd-pleaser.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 head (approximately 2 pounds) Red cabbage
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 medium, thinly sliced Yellow onion
• 1 large (preferably tart, like Granny Smith) Apple
• 3 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground cloves
• 0.5 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Remove the tough outer leaves from the red cabbage. Cut it into quarters, remove the core, and thinly slice the cabbage into shreds using a sharp knife or mandoline.

Step 2

Peel, core, and dice the apple into small chunks. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onions.

Step 6

Add the diced apple, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and ground cloves. Stir well to evenly coat the cabbage mixture with the seasonings.

Step 7

Pour in the water, then cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are well combined.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.

Step 9

Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this sweet and sour cabbage warm as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1462.6 grams (1462.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	777

Total Fat 25.60g	33%
Saturated Fat 14.50g	73%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 62mg	21%
Sodium 2620mg	114%
Total Carbohydrate 140.80g	51%
Dietary Fiber 27.40g	98%
Total Sugars 87.10g
Protein 12.10g	24%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 466mg	36%
Iron 8mg	44%
Potassium 2650mg	56%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.4%

Protein: 5.7%

Carbs: 66.9%