Juniper & Apple Red Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

This Juniper & Apple Red Cabbage recipe offers a deliciously tangy and sweet twist on a classic side dish. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive meals, it combines the sharpness of red cabbage with fragrant juniper berries and fresh apples for a comforting flavor.

Ingredients

• 1½ kg red cabbage, quartered, tough core removed
• 2 red onions, sliced
• 4 red apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1 orange, zested
• 2 tsp juniper berries, lightly crushed
• 1 tbsp light soft brown sugar
• 60ml cider vinegar
• 250ml cloudy apple juice
• 25g butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thinly slice the red cabbage and place it in a large saucepan along with the sliced red onions, chopped apples, orange zest, crushed juniper berries, brown sugar, cider vinegar, apple juice, and butter.
2. Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring regularly to combine the ingredients and dissolve the sugar.
3. Step 3: Cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook gently for about 1 hour or until the cabbage is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Step 4: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger juniper flavor, crush the berries slightly more but avoid grinding them into powder to keep a pleasant texture.
• Substitute cider vinegar with apple cider for a milder acidity if preferred.
• Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves during cooking for a warm spice note that complements the apples and juniper.

Storage

This dish can be made ahead of time, covered, and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. It also freezes well for up to one month. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh juniper berries or dried?

Fresh juniper berries are preferable if available, as they provide the best flavor. Dried berries work well too but lightly crush them before use to release their aroma.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

To make this recipe vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative or oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

Juniper & Apple Red Cabbage Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 88 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A warming and flavorful side dish featuring tender red cabbage cooked with sweet apples, tangy cider vinegar, and aromatic juniper berries. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the apples combined with the earthiness of red cabbage, enhanced by subtle citrus notes and a touch of brown sugar, making it an excellent accompaniment for autumn and winter meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce

• 1½ kg red cabbage, quartered, tough core removed
• 2 red onions, sliced
• 4 red apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1 orange, zested

Spices & Condiments

• 2 tsp juniper berries, lightly crushed
• 1 tbsp light soft brown sugar
• 60 ml cider vinegar
• 250 ml cloudy apple juice
• 25 g butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage and ingredients: Thinly slice the red cabbage after removing the tough core. Peel, core, and chop the apples, and slice the red onions. Zest the orange.
2. Combine ingredients in saucepan: Place the sliced red cabbage, red onions, chopped apples, orange zest, lightly crushed juniper berries, light soft brown sugar, cider vinegar, cloudy apple juice, and butter in a large saucepan.
3. Cook the mixture: Bring the contents of the saucepan to a boil over medium heat, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and to combine flavors evenly.
4. Simmer covered: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it cook gently for about 1 hour or until the cabbage is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally during cooking to avoid burning and to mix flavors.
5. Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve warm as a side dish.
6. Storage: This dish can be made ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to two days or frozen for up to one month. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

Notes

• Removing the tough core from the cabbage ensures tenderness and a pleasant texture.
• Lightly crushing the juniper berries releases their aromatic flavors more effectively.
• You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar according to taste.
• If making ahead, reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavor.
• This dish pairs excellently with roasted meats or as part of a hearty vegetarian meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: European

Keywords: red cabbage recipe, apple red cabbage, juniper berries, autumn side dish, stovetop cabbage, vegetarian side