| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 5g | 0.4g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 4g | 3g | 0.5g |
Without a doubt, one of my go-to autumnal recipes that screams ultimate comfort and flavor is the Braised Red Cabbage with Gooseberries Recipe. As a native New Yorker, I’ve been blessed with a rich, varied, and multicultural culinary background. Throughout the years, I’ve found inspiration in the most unexpected places, and this dish, although often overlooked, is nothing short of a hidden gem. Let’s talk about this wonderful blend of vibrant red cabbage braised in a sweet and tangy sauce, topped with tart gooseberries, an ingredient that adds that extra zest and transforms the dish into a culinary delight.
[](https://yourgourmetguru.com/wp-content/uploads/Braised-Red-Cabbage-with-Gooseberries-Recipe.png)
The Fusion of Flavors
The Braised Red Cabbage with Gooseberries Recipe might not seem complex, but let me tell you, it’s a palette of flavors that marry together in perfect harmony. The mildness and crunch of the cabbage play perfectly off the contrasting sweetness of brown sugar and tangy apple cider vinegar. And then comes the pièce de résistance – the gooseberries. This fruit brings a tartness that elevates this dish from everyday to exceptional.
This dish could well remind you of the traditional German Rotkohl, a red cabbage side dish that is commonly served with roasted meat. But in my version, we’ve switched it up a notch. Instead of the usual apples, I’ve used gooseberries, giving a slight twist that really works well. The result is a flavor profile that is balanced, unique, and oh so satisfying.
Health Benefits
But let’s not only talk about taste. One of the fantastic aspects of this recipe is the rich array of health benefits that it brings to your plate. Red cabbage is a powerhouse of nutrients – packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, and an excellent source of fiber. Gooseberries, too, come loaded with their unique health perks, including boosting digestive health, combating inflammation, and, according to this Healthline article, even promoting healthy hair growth.
You should try pairing this guy with roast chicken or turkey. The caramelized sweetness, the subtle acidity, and the crunch create an absolutely delightful medley of textures and flavors with the meat. Or even better, try using it as a base for a hearty, autumnal salad and let its vibrant colors and flavors light up your dinner table.
When I whip up the Braised Red Cabbage with Gooseberries Recipe, I feel a rush of contentment. I love seeing the transformation that happens in my kitchen – raw, simple ingredients turning into something so flavorful and good for you. Here’s to the magic of food and cooking, and the joy that sharing it with loved ones can bring. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium-sized red cabbage (approximately 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup of fresh gooseberries
- 1/3 cup of brown sugar
- 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of water
Method
Step One
Start by slicing the red cabbage into thin, long strips. Remove the hard core and discard it.
Step Two
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion to the pot. Stir it around and sauté it until it softens and starts to become translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the finely minced garlic into the pot and sauté it with the onions for another 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant.
Step Four
Add the thinly sliced red cabbage to the pot. Toss everything together well, making sure the onions and garlic are evenly distributed throughout the cabbage.
Step Five
Next, add the fresh gooseberries to the pot. Follow this by adding the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the pot.
Step Six
Stir all the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed and the cabbage starts to wilt.
Step Seven
Add the water, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for about 1 hour. Make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent the cabbage from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step Eight
After an hour, check the cabbage. It should be tender and the gooseberries should have completely broken down, creating a sweet and sour sauce. If needed, adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or vinegar.
Step Nine
Serve the braised red cabbage and gooseberries hot, either as a side dish or as a main dish. Enjoy!
