Braised Red Cabbage (Whole30, keto)

Braised Red Cabbage is a simple, healthy and affordable way to feed a lot of people! Just one head of cabbage, one red onion, apple cider vinegar and some seasonings are all you need for an easy side dish.

This healthy red cabbage recipe is mild with a hint of sweetness and bit of tang from the vinegar. So it’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

Plus I include some easy variations if you want to dress it up.

And it happens to be gluten-free, Paleo, vegan and Whole30 compliant. And due to its low net carb count, it’s also keto!

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Braised Red Cabbage

If you need to feed a lot of people, cabbage is one of the best ingredients you can use.

Just one head of cabbage can feed a lot of people.

And when you cook it down with onions and a bit of apple cider vinegar, it turns into a tangy, subtly sweet side dish that’s perfect with pork, chicken, beef or seafood.

Plus it’s great at room temperature or cold, so it’s great to make in advance and bring to picnics, potlucks, etc.

 

What you need for Braised Red Cabbage

Ingredients:

• one head of red cabbage
• 1 red onion
• 1 tablespoon cooking fat, such as avocado oil, olive oil or bacon fat
• 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment:

• a cutting board
• a long (8-10″) chef’s knife
• a large (5-6 quart) Dutch oven
• measuring spoons
• a measuring glass
• a wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring, not flipping)

How to select a cabbage

Like any cabbage, your red cabbage should have tight leaves and be heavy for its size.

Some raggedy or discolored outer leaves are fine, just discard them before you start cutting it up.

 

How to prepare red cabbage

You’ll have a lot of cut-up cabbage so use a large cutting board and/or have a large bowl nearby to move the chopped cabbage to as you work your way through it.

See step-by-step photos below.

Step 1: Discard any loose or raggedy outer leaves of the cabbage. Trim off the root if it’s extending from the cabbage body. Cut the cabbage in half from the top through the root. Cut out the core/root from each half. Place the halves cut side down and cut each in half lengthwise again. Then cut crosswise into thin strips.

 

How to make this braised red cabbage recipe

Step 2: Peel the onion and slice in half lengthwise. Place the halves cut-side down and slice into thin half moons.

Step 3: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the cabbage, onion and 2 tsp. salt. Saute for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add 1/2 cup warm water and the vinegar and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes. The longer you cook it, the softer it will get and the more moisture it will release.

Step 5: Add freshly ground black pepper, taste, and add more salt, pepper or vinegar if you like.

What to serve with braised red cabbage

Luckily, this simple braised red cabbage goes with just about any main dish:

• roasted, steamed or pan-seared meats
• beef
• chicken, like this crunchy plantain chip chicken
• pork, like these balsamic pork chops or this spiced pork tenderloin
• seafood, like this salmon with crispy skin
• You can even eat it cold so it’s perfect for potlucks, picnics and parties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Other recipes you might like:

1. Grilled Cabbage Steaks
2. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Green Beans
3. Whole Roasted Butternut Squash
4. Mashed Peas
5. Easy Roasted Asparagus with Lemon

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