Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering Warm Red Cabbage Salad that's about to become your new obsession! This German-inspired dish is not just a side salad – it's a flavor explosion that combines the sweet, tangy, and savory notes in one incredible recipe. Imagine tender red cabbage, crispy bacon, and perfectly caramelized apples coming together in a dish that's both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe is your secret weapon to culinary success!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: German
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 small head of red cabbage, shredded
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 apples, diced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup bacon, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping red cabbage, slicing onions, dicing apples, and cutting bacon into small pieces.
- In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy and fat has rendered, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pan.
- Add sliced onions to the bacon fat and sauté until they become translucent and slightly soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add shredded red cabbage to the pan and stir to coat with bacon fat and onions.
- Pour in apple cider vinegar and sprinkle sugar over the cabbage, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let the cabbage simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add diced apples during the last 5 minutes of cooking to maintain their texture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting vinegar or sugar as needed for balanced flavor.
- When cabbage is tender but still has a slight crunch, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle reserved crispy bacon pieces over the top of the salad before serving warm.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Select a fresh, firm red cabbage with vibrant, deep purple leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Bacon Matters: Use high-quality bacon for maximum flavor – the rendering fat is crucial to the dish's overall taste.
- Don't Overcook: Keep the cabbage slightly crisp by monitoring cooking time carefully. You want it tender but not mushy.
- Balance is Key: Adjust the vinegar and sugar to your taste. Some prefer a more tangy profile, while others like it slightly sweeter.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed warm, right after cooking. The flavors are most vibrant and the texture is perfect when served fresh.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add nuts like toasted almonds or walnuts for extra crunch, or experiment with different types of vinegar for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
