<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Braised-Purple-Cabbage-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Recipe promotion for Erren’s Kitchen with a close-up view of braised purple cabbage topped with bacon, titled “BRAISED Purple Cabbage,” with the website “www.errenskitchen.com” displayed at the bottom. - 1”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Braised-Purple-Cabbage-2-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Recipe banner from Erren’s Kitchen highlighting “BRAISED Purple Cabbage,” featuring a close-up of the dish with bacon bits, accompanied by a cooked meat cutlet, and a prompt to “GET THE RECIPE ON THE BLOG” with a pink background at the top displaying the website’s logo. - 2”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Braised-Purple-Cabbage-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Promotional graphic for Erren’s Kitchen featuring “BRAISED Purple Cabbage” recipe with an image of the dish, which includes shredded purple cabbage mixed with bacon bits, and the website address “www.errenskitchen.com” at the bottom. - 3”>

a close up image of braised cabbage scattered with crispy bacon. - 4 Braised purple cabbage topped with crispy bacon and garnished with chopped fresh herbs on a white plate. - 5

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Braised-Purple-Cabbage-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Promotional graphic for Erren’s Kitchen featuring “BRAISED Purple Cabbage” recipe with an image of the dish, which includes shredded purple cabbage mixed with bacon bits, and the website address “www.errenskitchen.com” at the bottom. - 6”>

a close up image of braised Purple cabbage scattered with crispy bacon in a cast iron pot. - 7

Try our flavorful Braised Purple Cabbage recipe! It’s a colorful side dish with tender cabbage, sweet apple, and savory bacon—perfect for any meal!

in this article:

  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Recipe Tips
  • Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄
  • The Perfect Pairings
  • Braised Purple Cabbage
  • Step-by-Step Guide
  • Step By Step Instructions

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.

Braised purple cabbage topped with crispy bacon and garnished with chopped fresh herbs on a white plate. - 8

Why This Recipe Works

  • Combining sweet apple and tangy apple cider vinegar adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
  • We include crispy bacon or pancetta for an extra layer of flavor, elevating this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
a close up image of braised cabbage scattered with crispy bacon. - 9

Ingredient Notes

all of the ingredients for this recipe laid out on a table. - 10
  • Purple Cabbage : Look for firm, compact heads of purple cabbage in the produce section of your grocery store. If purple cabbage is unavailable, Red cabbage can be used as a substitute.
  • Bacon or Pancetta : Opt for thick-cut bacon or Italian pancetta for the best flavor.
  • Onion : Any variety of onion will work well in this recipe. Yellow or white onions are commonly used.
  • Apple : Choose a sweet variety of apples, such as Fuji or Gala, for a pleasant contrast to the savory ingredients.
  • Wine : Use your favorite red or white wine for deglazing. Choose one you enjoy drinking, as the flavor will be imparted into the dish.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar : Look for raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar for the best flavor and health benefits.
  • Brown Sugar : Light or dark brown sugar can be used interchangeably in this recipe.

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.

a grocery store display of heads of fresh purple cabbage. - 11

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.

Recipe Tips

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or pancetta and use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
  • Make sure to thinly slice the cabbage and apple for quicker cooking and better incorporation of flavors.
  • If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste.

Storage & Freezing Instructions ❄

Allow the braised purple cabbage to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, portion the cooled cabbage into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

The Perfect Pairings

A white plate with braised purple cabbage and a seared pork chop. - 12

Enhance your meal with our versatile Braised Purple Cabbage, a delightful side dish that pairs seamlessly with a range of proteins, from savory seared pork chops to tender oven-baked chicken thighs and lean turkey tenderloin . Whether you prefer a hearty, meaty indulgence or a lighter option, these main dishes complement our flavorful cabbage side.

Rate This Recipe

a close up image of braised Purple cabbage scattered with crispy bacon in a cast iron pot. - 13

Ingredients

  • ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ▢ ½ lb bacon (or pancetta, chopped (optional))
  • ▢ 1 onion (thinly sliced)
  • ▢ Salt and pepper ( to taste)
  • ▢ 4 cups purple cabbage (shredded)
  • ▢ 1 large apple (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (sweet red))
  • ▢ ⅓ cup wine (red or white)
  • ▢ ¼ cup water
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

  • Prepare Bacon/Pancetta (Optional): In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add bacon or pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving fat in the pot.
  • Sauté Onion: Add 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 shredded cabbage and sliced apple, cooking until the cabbage starts to wilt, about 5 minutes.
  • Deglaze: Pour in wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Add Liquids and Sugar: Add water, apple cider vinegar, and 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: Enjoy your braised red cabbage hot as a flavorful and colorful side dish.

Tips

Step-by-Step Guide

Nutrition

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.

A slotted spoon removing crispy bacon from a pot. - 14

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.

Sliced onions cooking in a black pot. - 15

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.

Shredded purple cabbage and sliced apple added to the pan with the onions. - 16

Deglaze : Pour in ⅓ cup of wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

white wine being poured over the purple cabbage. - 17

Add Liquids and Sugar : Add ¼ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir to combine.

The cabbage mixture in the pot ready to braise. - 18

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!

a plate of braised purple cabbage with a pan of cabbage and a platter of pork chops in the background. - 19 a close up image of braised Purple cabbage scattered with crispy bacon in a cast iron pot. - 20

Braised Purple Cabbage

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ lb bacon or pancetta, chopped (optional)
  • 1 onion thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups purple cabbage shredded
  • 1 large apple peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (sweet red)
  • ⅓ cup wine red or white
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

  • Prepare Bacon/Pancetta (Optional): In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add bacon or pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving fat in the pot.
  • Sauté Onion: Add 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 shredded cabbage and sliced apple, cooking until the cabbage starts to wilt, about 5 minutes.
  • Deglaze: Pour in wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Add Liquids and Sugar: Add water, apple cider vinegar, and 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: Enjoy your braised red cabbage hot as a flavorful and colorful side dish.

Notes

Step-by-Step Guide

Nutrition

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