| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 4g | 2g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 6g | 3g | 0.6g |
I have an absolute soft spot for a good plate of Braised Cabbage with Caraway. It’s a beautifully simple, rustic dish that beautifully captures my love for dishes that are bursting with flavors yet provide immense health benefits. A shining star among fruit-based recipes, it reminds me of the comforting meals that epitomize my native New York – a city known for its diverse culinary scene.
The Allure of Braised Cabbage with Caraway
What I particularly adore about this recipe is the amalgamation of textures and flavors. The base of the dish is the humble cabbage, shredded into thin ribbons that absorb the sweet and tangy apple juice and cider vinegar. The crunched carrots add a satisfying bite, whilst the chopped apple infuses the dish with a natural sweetness that beautifully contrasts the warm, earthy caraway seeds. Brown sugar and butter round everything off, creating comfort in every bite. And the best part? This dish is just as good served chilled the next day – if there’s any left, that is.
This recipe is reminiscent of classic Eastern European dishes, particularly reminding me of the Hungarian staple stuffed cabbage. Moreover, the sweet-tangy profile of this dish would work amazingly well along a good slab of pulled pork or some succulent, slow-cooked brisket.
Healthful Indulgence
As a bonus, the Braised Cabbage with Caraway is a powerhouse of nutrients. Cabbages are renowned for their high fiber and vitamin C content, promoting gut health and immune function. The addition of carrots boosts the dish with beta carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A, crucial for good vision, immune function, and reproduction. Apples aren’t just there for sweetness, they’re also a good source of dietary fibre and vitamin C. Moreover, apple juice and cider vinegar contain ‘the mother’, a source of beneficial probiotics.
In summary, Braised Cabbage with Caraway is a dish that I love not just for its comforting, robust flavors but also for its appreciable health benefits. It is simplicity at its finest, a tribute to the culinary diversity I love so much about my home city, New York.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large head of cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, shredded
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored and chopped
- 1 cup of apple juice
- 3 tablespoons of cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of butter
Method
Step One
Begin by prepping your fruits and vegetables. Shred the cabbage and the carrots. Afterwards, peel, core, and chop your large apple.
Step Two
Take a large pot or Dutch oven and place it over medium heat. Melt the butter in the pot. Once the butter is melted, add in the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots and chopped apple. Stirring occasionally, cook until the vegetables start to soften. This should take about 10 minutes.
Step Three
Add the apple juice, cider vinegar, and brown sugar to the pot. Stir everything together until the sugar has dissolved.
Step Four
Add the caraway seeds to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together thoroughly.
Step Five
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer. The mix should be cooked for about 1 hour. Check it occasionally and give it a stir to prevent sticking.
Step Six
Once the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together, your Braised Cabbage with Caraway is done. This dish is delicious as a side or a main dish for a meal. Enjoy!
