Dinner

German-Inspired Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) Recipe

Name: German-Inspired Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 head red cabbage, quartered, cored, and finely shredded; 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; ¾ cup boiling water; 3 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, vegetable, etc.); ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 ½ teaspoons all-purpose flour; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)

Bylina Carter January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

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Introduction

German-Inspired Red Cabbage, or Rotkohl, is a tangy and slightly sweet side dish that perfectly complements hearty meals. Made with tender cabbage, apples, and a blend of spices, this traditional recipe brings warming flavors to your table.

The image shows a bowl filled with cooked shredded purple cabbage mixed with large chunks of soft, pinkish apples. The cabbage appears shiny and tender, with its vibrant purple color standing out. The bowl has a white base with a speckled pattern and a brown rim, holding the colorful mix inside. Two vintage silver spoons rest inside the bowl on the right side, slightly overlapping each other, with their handles extending out. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft beige cloth partly visible to the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 head red cabbage, quartered, cored, and finely shredded
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

¾ cup boiling water
3 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, vegetable, etc.)

¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons all-purpose flour

¼ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large covered pot over medium heat, add the shredded cabbage and sliced apples. Pour in the boiling water, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, apple cider vinegar, flour, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and caraway seeds if using.

Step 3: Pour the mixture over the cabbage and apples, stirring to combine thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 5: Serve warm as a side dish.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of red wine or substitute the apple cider vinegar with red wine vinegar.
Using tart apples like Granny Smith balances the sweetness and adds a nice sharpness.
Skip the caraway seeds if you prefer a milder flavor, or replace them with a pinch of ground cloves for a different aromatic note.

Storage

Store leftover red cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through; adding a splash of water may help prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds two main layers: the bottom layer is thinly sliced purple cabbage, bright and fresh with a slightly glossy texture, covering the entire base of the bowl. On top around the edges, there are uneven chunks of peeled apple with a creamy white color and a firm, smooth texture, contrasting with the rich purple cabbage beneath. The white marbled surface is beneath the bowl, adding a clean and simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, Rotkohl tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Prepare it a day ahead and reheat before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The recipe includes all-purpose flour, which contains gluten, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish gluten-free.