Norwegian Red Cabbage

Norwegian Red Cabbage Recipe: A Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Norway

Region / culture: Norway | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Norwegian Red Cabbage is a traditional dish that is often served during the holiday season in Norway. This sweet and tangy side dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats and adds a pop of color to any meal.

History

The recipe for Norwegian Red Cabbage has been passed down through generations in Norway. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century and has since become a staple in Norwegian cuisine, especially during festive occasions.

Ingredients

1 medium red cabbage
0.25 cup butter
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
0.5 cup water
1 tsp salt
0.5 cup red currant jelly

How to prepare

Finely chop the cabbage and place it in a large pot.
Add butter, vinegar, sugar, water, and salt to the pot.
Cook on low heat for 1 hour.
Add jelly to the pot and continue cooking for 20 minutes.

Variations

Add sliced apples or pears for a fruity twist.
Substitute honey for sugar for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the cabbage to ensure even cooking.

- Cooking the cabbage on low heat for an extended period of time allows the flavors to develop and the cabbage to soften.

- Adding red currant jelly at the end of cooking adds a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Norwegian Red Cabbage pairs well with roasted meats such as pork or lamb. It can also be served alongside mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce for a traditional Norwegian meal.

Cooking Techniques

Cook the cabbage on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white cabbage or green cabbage if red cabbage is not available.

- Substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Norwegian Red Cabbage can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Norwegian Red Cabbage in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or lingonberries for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Norwegian Red Cabbage with roasted pork, lingonberry sauce, and boiled potatoes for a traditional Norwegian meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Norwegian Red Cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Fats: 8g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Norwegian Red Cabbage is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Norwegian Red Cabbage is a nutritious side dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Norwegian Red Cabbage is a classic side dish that is both flavorful and nutritious. With its sweet and tangy flavors, it is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for the first time. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting a quaint little cafe in Oslo, Norway. As I sat down to enjoy a cup of hot tea, the aroma of spices and sweetness wafted through the air, making my mouth water.

Curious, I asked the friendly waitress what was cooking in the kitchen. She smiled warmly and told me that they were preparing their famous Norwegian Red Cabbage. Intrigued, I asked if I could have the recipe. To my delight, she agreed and even offered to show me how to make it.

As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I was captivated by the simplicity and elegance of the dish. The combination of cabbage, apples, vinegar, and sugar created a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I knew right then and there that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

After my trip to Norway, I returned home with the recipe in hand and eagerly set out to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. I carefully chopped the cabbage, sliced the apples, and simmered the ingredients together in a pot. As the dish cooked, the colors melded together to create a vibrant hue of red that was as beautiful as it was delicious.

The first bite of the Norwegian Red Cabbage brought me back to that cozy cafe in Oslo. The tangy sweetness of the apples paired perfectly with the earthy cabbage, creating a harmony of flavors that I had never experienced before. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with friends and family, each time passing on the tradition of Norwegian Red Cabbage. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touch with a dash of cinnamon or a splash of red wine vinegar. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a celebration of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary.

As I look back on my journey with this recipe, I am grateful for the serendipitous encounter that brought it into my life. It has become more than just a dish to me – it is a connection to a culture and a place that holds a special piece of my heart.

So, as I stand in my kitchen today, stirring a pot of simmering red cabbage, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and to bridge the gap between cultures. And I am grateful for the journey that led me to discover this recipe, a journey that continues to inspire me every time I take a bite of Norwegian Red Cabbage.