Indulge in the rich flavors of Germany with our Rotkohl recipe, a beloved side dish that epitomizes the country's culinary heritage. Also known as red cabbage, Rotkohl is a delightful combination of tangy, sweet, and savory notes, making it the perfect accompaniment to hearty German fare. Our recipe stays true to tradition, showcasing the careful balance of spices, vinegar, and sweetness that distinguishes this dish. Whether you're serving it alongside bratwurst, schnitzel, or simply enjoying it as a standalone delight, our Rotkohl recipe promises to evoke the cozy comforts of German cuisine with every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized red cabbage (about 2 pounds), thinly sliced
• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon fat
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Pinch of ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1- Heat the oil or bacon fat in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3- Stir in the sliced red cabbage and diced apples. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4- Pour in the red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and water. Add the brown sugar, salt, black pepper, cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to combine.

5- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the Rotkohl simmer gently for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.

6- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more sugar or vinegar to achieve your desired balance of sweetness and acidity.

7- Once cooked, remove the bay leaves, cloves, and cinnamon stick.

8- Serve the Rotkohl warm as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite German main courses such as bratwurst, schnitzel, or roasted meats.

9- Enjoy the authentic flavors of sweet and sour red cabbage, a classic staple of German cuisine!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Rotkohl recipe:

Red cabbage (per 1 cup, shredded, approximately 89g):

• Calories: 28
• Protein: 1.3g
• Carbohydrates: 6.6g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugars: 3.3g
• Fat: 0.1g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

Apples (per medium-sized apple, approximately 182g):

• Calories: 95
• Protein: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4.4g
• Sugars: 19g
• Fat: 0.3g

benefits:

• Excellent source of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting feelings of fullness.
• Packed with vitamin C, contributing to a healthy immune system and skin.
• Contains phytonutrients and antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Onion (per medium-sized onion, approximately 110g):

• Calories: 44
• Protein: 1.2g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1.9g
• Sugars: 4.7g
• Fat: 0.1g

benefits:

• Contains flavonoids and antioxidants, which may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
• Good source of vitamin C and fiber, supporting immune health and digestion.

Vegetable oil or bacon fat (per tablespoon, approximately 14g):

• Calories: 120 (for vegetable oil)
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 14g

benefits:

• Provides essential fatty acids necessary for overall health.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Red wine vinegar (per tablespoon, approximately 15g):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• May help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Contains acetic acid, which may aid in weight loss and appetite control.

Apple cider vinegar (per tablespoon, approximately 15g):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• May help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
• Contains beneficial bacteria that support gut health and digestion.

Brown sugar (per tablespoon, approximately 12g):

• Calories: 45
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugars: 12g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Provides a quick source of energy.
• Contains small amounts of minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium.

Spices (salt, black pepper, cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, ground nutmeg):

• Negligible caloric value, typically contribute very few calories per serving.

benefits:

• Provide flavor and aroma without adding significant calories or fat.
• Some spices, like cinnamon and cloves, may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

These values are approximate and may vary slightly based on factors such as specific brands and variations in ingredients.