Traditional German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) - House of Nash Eats (2024)

This delicious German Red Cabbage (also known as Rotkohl or Blaukraut depending on which part of Germany you are in) is a fantastic sweet and sour recipe that is served with many traditional German dishes.

We love German food and eating out at German restaurants. It reminds us of the time we lived in Germany doing summer-long internships during school! German Plum Cake and German Apple Cake with Streusel Topping [Apfelkuchen mit Streusel] are two of our other favorites if you are looking for a dessert to go with your meal!

Traditional German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) - House of Nash Eats (1)

Everybody knows that Germany is famous for sauerkraut, but not as many seem to have heard about rotkohl (pronounced rote-coal). I like eating vegetables, but I LOVE eating rotkohl. It's seriously so, so good that I always want second helpings.

If you have ever been to Germany or eaten at a German restaurant, chances are you have seen this favorite traditional dish.

What is Rotkohl?

Rotkohl is a cooked German red cabbage recipe that is easy to make, although it does take a little time for the cabbage to braise slowly on the stovetop. It’s a very popular German side dish that varies somewhat by region, but frequently combines thinly shredded red cabbage, tart green apples, and vinegar, with a little sugar or apple cider to balance things out.

I find that compared to sauerkraut, rotkohl it is not as intensely mouth puckering and has a milder, subtly sweet taste thanks to the addition of apples, cider, and a little bit of sugar.

I don't know if it is the vibrant purple hue or the sweet, the sweet and sour flavor, or the texture which is tender but not mushy that really speaks to me. Regardless, this simple red cabbage dish is easily one of my favorite German recipes and I really hope you love it as much as I do.

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How to make traditional German red cabbage

  1. Prep the cabbage, onion, and apple: Quarter the red cabbage, then use a mandolin to thinly slice it into shred no more than ¼" thick. Chop the onion, and core and chop the apple. You can peel the apple if you want to, but I find that it cooks down enough that the texture of the peel disappears in the completed dish.
  2. Saute the onion and apple: Melt butter in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add in the onions and apples.Saute for 7-10 minutes until soft.
  3. Add red cabbage: Stir in the shredded red cabbage and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add liquids and spices: Pour in the red wine vinegar and apple cider, then stir inthe sugar, bay leaf, cloves, juniper berries, and salt.
  5. Simmer until soft: Bring the liquids in the dutch oven to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.Let the rotkohl simmer for 1 hour until the cabbage is soft but not mushy.
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What to serve with German red cabbage

The tangy flavor of German red cabbage goes well with many dishes, but especially hearty and meaty ones. Although it's just as good with simple pasta, in my opinion. Any of these German recipes would be excellent with rotkohl.

  • Sauerbraten(a braised German roast in a wonderful sweet and sour gravy)
  • German beef rouladen(don't knock it til you try it!)
  • Honey roasted duck
  • German schnitzel
  • The Best Jagerschnitzel
  • Spaetzle
  • Wurst

But it's also fantastic with grilled pork chops, roasted chicken, and other non-German main dishes as well. It's a pretty versatile side!

Do you serve rotkohl hot or cold?

While I personally prefer to eat this dish warm, you can serve it hot or cold. It’s totally up to your preferences!

Consider eating it hot when fresh and enjoying the leftovers cold, since one batch makes quite a lot of rotkohl. But the leftovers heat up really well too, and I actually think the flavor is even better the next day!

Can you freeze rotkohl?

Yes, German red cabbage freezes well. For best results, freeze the rotkohl in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and serve either warm or cold.

Traditional German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) - House of Nash Eats (7)

More Delicious Vegetable Side Dish Recipes

  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples
  • Stir-Fried Baby Bok Choy
  • Roasted Broccoli with Garlic, Parmesan and Lemon
  • Haricot Verts with Dijon Vinaigrette
  • Italian Peas Recipe
  • Oven Roasted Asparagus
  • Fried Yellow Squash
  • Roasted Beets with Garlic-Potato Spread

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.

Traditional German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) - House of Nash Eats (8)

PrintPinRate

German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)

4.97 from 28 votes

Amy Nash

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine German

Servings 6 -8 servings

This delicious German Red Cabbage (also known as Rotkohl or Blaukraut depending on which part of Germany you are in) is a fantastic sweet and sour recipe that is served with many traditional German dishes.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 large Granny Smith apple peeled and chopped
  • 1 head red cabbage sliced very thin
  • 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
  • 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 whole cloves
  • 2 juniper berries
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Melt butter in large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and apples and saute for 7-10 minutes until soft.

  • Add the cabbage to the onions and apples, and cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

  • Add the red wine vinegar, apple cider, sugar, bay leaf, cloves, juniper berries, and salt. Bring the liquids to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer.

  • Simmer for 1 hour until cabbage is soft but not mushy. Serve warm or cold.

Notes

Many traditional recipes also called for 2 tablespoons of cherry preserves or red currant jam, but that's not as easy to find and I never have it on hand, so I leave it out and don't really notice a difference.

A mandoline makes slicing an entire head of cabbage quick and easy. Just be careful of your fingers!

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 268mg | Potassium: 451mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 1699IU | Vitamin C: 83mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe? Show me on Instagram!Mention @HouseOfNashEats or tag #houseofnasheats!

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About the author

Traditional German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) - House of Nash Eats (13)

Hi, I'm Amy

I enjoy exploring the world through food, culture, and travel and sharing the adventure with mostly from-scratch, family friendly recipes that I think of as modern comfort cooking.

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Traditional German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) - House of Nash Eats (2024)

FAQs

Is rotkohl good for you? ›

Next to Vitamin C, you can find carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and kaempferol in cabbage. Anthocyanin has proven to be beneficial for your heart health. A study showed that the consumption of this plant compound may significantly lower your risk of heart attacks, and may also lower your blood pressure levels.

How long does rotkohl last? ›

Make ahead and storage: You can make the Rotkohl 2-3 days in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container after letting it cool down. Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked Rotkohl. Let it cool down, divide it into portions into large freezer bags, and freeze it for up to 3 months.

How do you eat red cabbage sauerkraut? ›

Our Favorite Uses for Sauerkraut
  1. Smoothies: We're serious! ...
  2. Tuna salad: Love dill pickle relish in your tuna salad? ...
  3. Deviled eggs: Minced sauerkraut could be the new secret ingredient to your deviled eggs. ...
  4. Grilled cheese: Elevate your grilled cheese sandwich with the addition of sauerkraut.

Can you eat red cabbage on its own? ›

Go raw. Lock in nutrients by eating your cabbage uncooked in salads. Just make sure you slice it very finely.

What happens if I eat red cabbage everyday? ›

Diets high in anthocyanins, like those found in red cabbage, are linked with lower blood pressure. They're also linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease. Brain protection.

Who should not eat red cabbage? ›

It's best to avoid cabbage if you have an under-active thyroid gland. Surgery: Cabbage might affect blood glucose levels and could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgical procedures. Stop using cabbage at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Should red cabbage be kept in the fridge? ›

How to Store Cabbage in the Fridge. Whether it's red or green, Savoy or napa, fresh cabbage should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag. For red, green and Savoy cabbage heads, this storage method will keep the cabbage fresh for up to 10 days.

Is red cabbage in a jar healthy? ›

2,3 Additionally, red cabbage also contains high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K. 3 Together, these two nutrients assist with skin health, wound healing, blood clotting and bone health! 4,5 This pickled red cabbage packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition.

Should pickled red cabbage be refrigerated? ›

(For the best flavor, however, refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours before serving.) Because quick-pickled vegetables are not processed, they are not shelf-stable and must be stored in the refrigerator. Spoon some pickled cabbage on top of fish tacos, hot dogs, and burgers, as well as pulled pork sandwiches.

Should I eat sauerkraut in the morning or at night? ›

Sauerkraut is a fermented dish best consumed in the morning at about one tablespoon to 10 grams per day. Sauerkraut is a highly nutritious, probiotic-rich food, and you are recommended to eat about a tablespoon or 10 grams per day.

Does cooking sauerkraut destroy the probiotics? ›

One important issue to remember is that cooking sauerkraut will kill off the probiotic bacteria that we want to consume. Even after cooking, sauerkraut is a healthy, cabbage-based dish, but it will be missing out on that probiotic boost. So, when possible, try to add your sauerkraut to your dishes uncooked.

What is the healthiest cabbage to eat? ›

Purple cabbage is a great source of antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that help protect against cellular damage. Its antioxidants include vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoid antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and kaempferol. In fact, it often contains higher amounts of these than green cabbage (2).

Is it better to eat red cabbage raw or cooked? ›

Although you get different nutrients if you cook or ferment it, raw red cabbage in particular might give you the best nutritional boost per serving. Slice it very thinly and leave it for about 10 minutes to help bring out the fullest, most complex flavors. Then add it to salads or sandwiches or turn it into coleslaw.

What is the healthiest way to eat red cabbage? ›

Healthy red cabbage recipes
  1. Mulled red cabbage with clementines. ...
  2. Braised red cabbage with cider & apples. ...
  3. Red cabbage with Bramley apple & walnuts. ...
  4. Easy red cabbage. ...
  5. Red cabbage with mulled Port & pears. ...
  6. Beetroot & red cabbage sauerkraut. ...
  7. Red cabbage with carrot & edamame beans. ...
  8. Quick pickled cabbage.

How healthy is pickled red cabbage? ›

2,3 Additionally, red cabbage also contains high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K. 3 Together, these two nutrients assist with skin health, wound healing, blood clotting and bone health! 4,5 This pickled red cabbage packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition.

Can you eat fermented cabbage everyday? ›

Sauerkraut is a highly nutritious, probiotic-rich food, and you are recommended to eat about a tablespoon or 10 grams per day. You may gradually increase the intake of sauerkraut up to six tablespoons or 60 grams per day if you are comfortable. However, you are recommended not to overconsume.

Is red cabbage healthier than lettuce? ›

If you're looking for the healthier option of the two, choose cabbage. Lettuce varieties such as red leaf lettuce and romaine are also good options. Cabbage, including green and red cabbage, is typically higher in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds than iceberg lettuce.

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