| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 55 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 22g | 7g | 29g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 5g | 14g | 1.2g |
I’ve always had a soft spot for dishes that offer a sense of comfort and nostalgia. There’s just something about a hearty meal that brings warmth and a sense of home. Which is why I love the Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Sausage recipe, not only for its deliciously robust flavors but also because of how it reminds me of the diverse heritage of Southern cuisine.
A Symphony of Flavors
One bite of this Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Sausage, and it will engage you in a symphony of flavors – the sweetness of the apples complements the subtly earthy taste of red cabbage, while the smokiness of the sausage brings a delightful layer of depth to the mix. There’s the perfect balance of sweetness, sourness, and savory notes in this dish, reminding one of the wide culinary scope of my beloved Charleston.
How It Ties to My Southern Roots
This dish, in many ways, pays homage to Southern culinary traditions, reflecting the diversity of ingredients that are native or popular in the region. In South Carolina, we have the luxury of a bounty, between verdant farms, orchards, and diverse livestock. The combination of fresh produce and meats in this recipe is reminiscent of my roots, giving it an authenticity that sets it apart from your everyday cabbage dish.
While it’s no golden-crusted biscuit or crispy Southern fried chicken, this cabbage dish manages to evoke a similar down-home comfort that I’ve always attributed to Southern cuisine. It shares similarities with traditional recipes like the German-style Southern slow-cooked cabbage, but with a sweet and sour twist thanks to the addition of apples and vinegar.
Health Benefits and Pairing Suggestions
Comfort food doesn’t always have to mean indulgence and high calorie. A part I truly appreciate about this recipe is the numerous health benefits it brings to the table. Red cabbage is packed with nutrients – it’s an excellent source of Vitamin C and K and a good source of dietary fiber. Plus, apples are known for being rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber.
When it comes to pairing, this dish would work perfectly alongside some homemade Southern cornbread or can be served over a bed of rice to make it a wholly satiating meal.
So, when you’re longing for a bit of Southern comfort, with a touch of my coastal South Carolina flair, give this Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Sausage recipe a try. It’s a homely dish that amazingly brings out the best of this humble vegetable and will leave you want to come back for more!
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium-sized red cabbage
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Method
Step One
To begin, heat up the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over a medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring occasionally. Continue to cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic fragrant.
Step Two
Add the sliced apples to the pot and continue to cook for a couple of more minutes, allowing the apples to somewhat soften.
Step Three
While the apples are cooking, chop the red cabbage into thin slices and add to the pot. Stir well to help combine with the onion, garlic, and apples.
Step Four
Add the white vinegar and brown sugar to the pot, stirring until the sugar has dissolved in the vinegar. Pour in the apple juice as well.
Step Five
Season the mixture in the pot with salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon. Stir until the ingredients in the pot are well mixed and evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step Six
Lastly, add the sliced smoked sausage rounds to the pot. Stir well, ensuring the sausage pieces are mixed in among the cabbage, apples, and onion.
Step Seven
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Cover the pot and let it braise for about 1 hour. Make sure to stir occasionally during this time. Once done, the cabbage should be soft and the flavors well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste, if necessary.
Step Eight
Serve your Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Sausage while hot, ensuring each portion has an even mix of all the ingredients. Enjoy!
