Mum’s Braised Red Cabbage with Bacon

The best braised red cabbage recipe you will come across. Different to traditional German red cabbage as it includes bacon. Could this be the best German red cabbage recipe ever?

A dish that holds a special place in my heart, and stomach. My mother would traditionally make this ever Christmas, and Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it.

Served with roast turkey and baked vegetables. It is one of the highlights of our Christmas Eve dinner. The other highlight, of course, is Piragi (Latvian bacon buns).

I would class Mum’ braised red cabbage more French style than a German red cabbage recipe. Due to the omission of apple and addition of bacon to the sautéed red cabbage. Also, that her cooking skills were based on French fundamentals.

But when you look at the use of caraway, clove and vinegar, hello mild sauerkraut! A good splash of red wine rounds out the robust and full flavours of this braised red cabbage beautifully.

I seriously have no idea where Mum’s recipe originated, and sadly I can no longer ask her. It really is all a guessing game now, but it is a dish I remember her making from my first Christmas memories. A family traditional red cabbage, a Christmas staple.

Recipe Hazard Zones

Slow and steady wins the race with this recipe. You want to braise the red cabbage slowly. It needs to be tender and have had time for the flavours to develop.

Special equipment for this recipe

None, just a sharp knife, cutting board, heavy based pot (with lid) and a spoon.

Special Ingredients for this Recipe

You can use either fresh or canned red cabbage for this recipe. The result will be different, but both just as delicious. I often use fresh these days as canned/tinned can be hard to find. I do prefer using canned or tinned, I think due to the nostalgia.

What to do with any leftovers

The beauty of this dish is that the braised red cabbage can be frozen. It freezes very well. Simply defrost, reheat and serve. It will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days too.

If you do end up making this very close to my heart recipe, then please let me know!  You can find me on Instagram and Twitter. 

Sara xxx

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Red Cabbage

Print Recipe

Recipe by: Sara McCleary

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

The best braised red cabbage recipe you will come across. Different to traditional German red cabbage as it includes bacon. Could this be the best German red cabbage recipe ever?

Ingredients

• 2 rashes bacon - finely diced
• 1 onion - Large, finely diced
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar
• ? teaspoon powered cloves
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• 1 kilogram red cabbage - 2 x 500 gram cans
• 1/2 cup red wine
• ¼ teaspoon caraway seeds

Instructions

• In a heavy based pot fry bacon over medium head until the fat runs. Add onions and cook until they have softened (about 5 minutes). 
• Stir in remaining ingredients, except the caraway seeds, and cook covered for 30 minutes, giving it a stir now and then. 
• Season to taste and add caraway seeds if desired - trust me it is desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 264mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1116IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword: how to braise red cabbage, red cabbage recipes

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