Ever had those nights when you’re feeling pretty pleased with yourself for prepping your brined pork chops in advance, only to realize you forgot about the sides? Don’t fret! Our Braised Purple Cabbage recipe is here to save the day. It’s a versatile side dish featuring tender cabbage, sweet apple, and savory bacon in a flavorful braising liquid.
Purple Cabbage Buying Guide
Purple cabbage and red cabbage are often sold interchangeably in grocery stores and markets. However, depending on your location and the season, one variety may be more readily available than the other. If you’re unsure which variety of purple cabbage to choose, look for heads that feel heavy for their size and have vibrant, tightly packed leaves. Avoid any heads that have soft spots or discoloration.
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare Bacon/Pancetta (Optional): Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add ½ pound of chopped bacon or pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Erren’s Kitchen is written and produced for informational intentions only. We are not certified nutritionists, and the nutritional information found on this site has not been assessed or authorized by a nutritionist or the FDA. The nutritional information found in our recipes is offered as an estimate and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. The estimated data is provided as a courtesy and calculated through a third-party online nutritional calculator, spoonacular API. Although we do our best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered rough estimates. Many factors, such as brands or products purchased and the nutritional fluctuations that naturally occur in fresh produce, can alter the effectiveness of the nutritional information in any recipe. Furthermore, various online calculators provide different results depending on their particular algorithms and nutrition fact sources. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator. Sauté Onion: Add 1 thinly sliced onion to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes—season with salt and pepper to taste. Add Cabbage and Apple: Stir in 4 cups of shredded purple cabbage and 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced). Cook until the cabbage starts to wilt, about 5 minutes. Deglaze: Pour in ⅓ cup of wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add Liquids and Sugar: Add ¼ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir to combine. Braise: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, until cabbage is tender. Stir occasionally. Finish: Return the cooked bacon or pancetta to the pot. Stir to distribute evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve and enjoy!