Green apples bring sweetness and bright flavor, red wine adds depth, and a sprinkle of orange zest contributes freshness to this hearty side dish. Serve it alongside a simple roasted or grilled pork tenderloin for the perfect cold-weather supper.
Balsamic-Braised Red Cabbage with Apples
3 Tbs. olive oil
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 Tbs. honey
1 Granny Smith apple, halved, cored and thinly sliced
1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml) balsamic vinegar
1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml) dry red wine
1 head red cabbage (about 2 lb./1 kg), cored and finely shredded
Finely grated zest of 1 orange
In a large fry pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the honey and cook for 1 minute longer. Add the apple slices and vinegar, increase the heat to medium-high and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the liquid to a boil, then add the wine and 1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml) water. Season with a generous pinch each of salt and pepper and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the liquid begins to reduce, about 10 minutes.
Add the cabbage. Using tongs, toss to coat well with the liquid in the pan. Cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt, 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover and cook until the cabbage is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, 25 to 30 minutes longer.
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the orange zest, then transfer the cabbage to a warmed bowl and serve immediately. Serves 4 to 6.
Find more simple, nourishing recipes in
our cookbook Good for You, by Dana Jacobi.
1 comment
Love the colours! And the flavour combination will be great with some of the richer holiday foods – thanks!