📝 About This Recipe
Transport your kitchen to a cozy Bavarian tavern with this vibrant, ruby-hued braised red cabbage. This traditional German 'Rotkohl' balances the earthy crunch of cabbage with the tartness of Granny Smith apples and a complex, spiced vinegar reduction. Using the Instant Pot transforms a slow-braised classic into a quick weeknight side dish without losing any of the deep, mellowed flavors or the tender-crisp texture.
🥗 Ingredients
The Base
- 2.5 pounds Red Cabbage (about 1 large head, cored and thinly sliced)
- 2 pieces Granny Smith Apple (peeled, cored, and grated or finely diced)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (can substitute with bacon fat for extra richness)
The Braising Liquid
- 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (provides the essential tang)
- 1/2 cup Red Wine (dry variety like Merlot or Cabernet)
- 1/2 cup Apple Juice or Cider (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
Spices and Seasoning
- 1.5 teaspoons Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
- 4 pieces Whole Cloves (can be placed in a tea infuser for easy removal)
- 3 pieces Juniper Berries (optional, for authentic forest flavor)
- 1 piece Bay Leaf (dried)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (adds a subtle warmth)
- 2 tablespoons Red Currant Jelly (added at the end for glaze and shine)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Prepare the cabbage by removing the tough outer leaves. Quarter the head, remove the core, and slice into 1/4-inch thick ribbons. Set aside.
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2
Turn your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function and allow it to heat up. Add the butter (or bacon fat) and let it melt until foamy.
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3
Add the diced onions to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are translucent and just beginning to turn golden at the edges.
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4
Stir in the grated apples and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the natural sugars to release.
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5
Add the brown sugar, salt, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, juniper berries, and bay leaf. Stir constantly for 1 minute to toast the spices and melt the sugar.
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6
Deglaze the pot by pouring in the apple cider vinegar, red wine, and apple juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot to prevent a 'Burn' notice.
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7
Add the sliced red cabbage to the pot. It will look like a lot, but it will shrink significantly during cooking. Toss well to coat the cabbage in the liquid and spices.
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8
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the 'Sealing' position.
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9
Select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on High Pressure for 15 minutes.
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10
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining steam.
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11
Open the lid and stir the cabbage. Switch the Instant Pot back to 'Sauté' mode.
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12
Stir in the red currant jelly. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the excess liquid has reduced to a glossy glaze that coats the cabbage.
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13
Remove the bay leaf, whole cloves, and juniper berries before serving. Taste and add an extra splash of vinegar if you prefer it more tart.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best texture, don't slice the cabbage too thin or it will turn into mush; 1/4 inch is the sweet spot. If you don't have red currant jelly, apricot preserves or even a tablespoon of honey can provide that essential finishing gloss. This dish actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have fully married in the fridge. To keep the cabbage a vibrant red, ensure you don't skip the vinegar; the acid prevents the red pigments (anthocyanins) from turning blue or grey. If you find the dish too tart, add a pinch more brown sugar at the very end to balance the acidity.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside classic German Sauerbraten or Roasted Pork Shank (Schweinshaxe). It is the perfect accompaniment to grilled bratwursts and creamy mashed potatoes. Pairs beautifully with a crisp German Riesling or a malty Doppelbock beer. Try it as a side for a holiday roast turkey or goose to cut through the richness of the meat. Leftovers are excellent served cold as a tangy slaw-style salad.