| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 159 | 2.2g | 1.2g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 5.9g | 3g | 0.4g |
Isn’t it amazing how the seasons effortlessly shift our comfort foods? As we bid adieu to summer, we welcome the coziness of fall with its bounty of rich and hearty foods. One quintessential favorite is the sumptuous and spicy Clove-spiked Red Cabbage and Apple. It’s an ode to my love for aromatic homely food, taking a delightful detour from my usual Atlantic seafood favorites.
The Symphony of Taste in Clove-spiked Red Cabbage and Apple
The succulent tartness of apples mingling with the raw sweetness of red cabbage, coupled with the punch of cloves, is a symphony of taste. The earthy crunch of the cabbage, reminiscent of autumn leaves, complements the zing from juicy Granny Smith apples. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside, invoking both nostalgia and a sense of novelty with each spoonful. And it’s not just about the lip-smacking taste, this dish also teems with health bonuses.
The Health Perks
Apart from its captivating flavor, the Clove-spiked Red Cabbage and Apple is packed with a trove of health benefits. Red cabbage, rich in Vitamins A, C, K, and packed with antioxidants, is a potent immune booster. Throw in a crunch of apples and you add a wealth of fiber to your diet. Cloves, the aromatic star of the dish, are known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This dish is not just good to your palate, but also relentlessly beneficial to your health.
The recipe heavily mirrors the traditional German dish, Rotkohl, a common pairing with hearty meats or roasts. So why not try the Clove-spiked Red Cabbage and Apple alongside your next holiday roast or perhaps as a tasty side for your family’s Thanksgiving Turkey? It also smoothly slides into a vegan or vegetarian diet. Trust me, even my seafood-loving daughters, Erin and Samantha, can’t resist this delectable delight.
Exploring recipes outside my usual seafood repertoire and finding treasures like the Clove-spiked Red Cabbage and Apple just add to the exhilaration of culinary adventures. It’s a reminder that good food is truly a universal language, ready to embrace and enchant us at every corner. So, go on and simmer up this fruity-spicy goodness, let it gladden your heart and enchant your taste buds!
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium-sized red cabbage (around 2 lb)
- 2 tart apples (like Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 12 whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups of water
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your ingredients. First, cut the red cabbage into quarters, removing the core. Then slice each quarter thinly. Set aside. Then, core the tart apples and slice them thinly as well.
Step Two
Move on to your cooking pot. Into that, place the butter and let it melt. After it’s melted, add the apple slices to the pot. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
Step Three
Now it’s time to add your spices. To the pot, add the brown sugar, salt, pepper, cloves, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step Four
With your heat on medium, add the sliced red cabbage to your pot. Toss it around with the apple slices until everything is well combined. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to become tender.
Step Five
Finally, pour in the water. Cover your pot and lower your heat to simmer. Let it cook for about an hour and a half. Then, remove the lid and continue to let it simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated and you’re left with a thick, glossy sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Step Six
Your Clove-spiked Red Cabbage and Apple is ready to serve! This can serve as a great side dish for many main courses. Enjoy a sweet and tart of flavors bursting in your mouth!
