BRAISED RED CABBAGE | easy healthy side dish

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil reduces saturated fat while adding flavor.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness.

apple

🥗Healthier: pear

💰Cheaper: frozen apples

Pears provide similar texture and sweetness.

Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt.

Slice one yellow onion in half, then cut into thin slices and add to the skillet with a pinch of salt.

Sauté the onions for about 5-6 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally.

Slice a Granny Smith apple into boards, then into strips, and add to the skillet along with 2 cloves of chopped garlic and a pinch of black pepper.

Stir the mixture and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the apples are tender and the garlic is fragrant.

Prepare the cabbage by rinsing a 2-pound head under cold water, removing any damaged outer leaves, and trimming the bottom.

Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core, then slice into thin ribbons.

Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet with the onion and apple mixture.

Top with 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, a splash of water (about 1/4 cup), and additional salt and pepper.

Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking.

If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of water as needed.

Taste the cabbage and adjust seasoning with more vinegar, honey, salt, or pepper if desired.

Transfer the cabbage to a serving dish and optionally top with goat cheese and fresh parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens