Swedish Red Cabbage

Swedish Red Cabbage Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Sweden

Region / culture: Sweden | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

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

History

Swedish Red Cabbage, also known as "Rödkål," has been a staple in Swedish cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century and has since become a beloved dish that is often passed down through generations.

Ingredients

1 large red cabbage
1 cored apple
1 onion
0.25 cup of lemon juice
2 tbsp of honey
1 tbsp of vinegar
2 tbsp of water
0.25 cup of red wine or sherry
1 cup of green peas
sea salt
black pepper

How to prepare

Shred the cabbage, slice the apple, and grate the onion.
Heat the honey in a heavy pot, then add the cabbage, stirring to coat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in the remaining ingredients except for the peas. Simmer again for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the peas just before serving.
This mixture will reduce to half its original size.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding dried cranberries or chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor. You can also experiment with different spices such as cinnamon or cloves.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the Swedish Red Cabbage, be sure to cook it low and slow. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and delicious dish. Additionally, be sure to season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Swedish Red Cabbage pairs well with roasted meats such as pork or beef. It can also be served alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious Swedish Red Cabbage is to cook it low and slow. This allows the flavors to develop and creates a tender and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sherry on hand, you can substitute with red wine or apple cider vinegar. You can also use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve Swedish Red Cabbage in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Swedish Red Cabbage pairs well with roasted meats such as pork or beef. It also goes well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Swedish Red Cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a pot on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Swedish Red Cabbage contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Swedish Red Cabbage contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Swedish Red Cabbage contains minimal amounts of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Swedish Red Cabbage contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Swedish Red Cabbage is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. It also contains minerals such as potassium and manganese.

Alergens

Swedish Red Cabbage is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it may contain traces of nuts or soy depending on the ingredients used.

Summary

Swedish Red Cabbage is a nutritious side dish that is low in calories and fat. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Swedish Red Cabbage is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for the holidays or any time of year. With its sweet and tangy flavor, it is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a cold winter evening, and I had invited my dear friend Greta over for dinner. She had just returned from a trip to Sweden and had brought back with her a recipe for Swedish Red Cabbage that she was eager to share with me.

As we sat in my cozy kitchen, Greta began to tell me about her travels and the delicious dishes she had tried. She described the Swedish Red Cabbage as a sweet and tangy side dish that was a staple in many Swedish households. Intrigued, I asked her to teach me how to make it.

Greta smiled and pulled out a tattered old recipe card from her purse. She explained that she had learned how to make the dish from her grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. As she read off the ingredients and instructions, I listened intently, eager to learn the secrets of this traditional Swedish dish.

We began by shredding a head of red cabbage and sautéing it in butter until it was tender. Then, we added a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices to the cabbage, letting it simmer until it was thick and syrupy. The aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly – a blend of sweet and savory that made my mouth water.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Swedish Red Cabbage and was instantly transported to a cozy kitchen in Sweden. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted – the sweetness of the sugar, the tanginess of the vinegar, and the spiciness of the cloves all coming together in perfect harmony.

From that day on, Swedish Red Cabbage became a regular dish in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I made it, I would think of Greta and her grandmother, grateful for the gift of this delicious recipe.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own touch with a dash of cinnamon or a splash of apple cider vinegar. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a comforting and flavorful side dish that always brings a smile to the faces of those who taste it.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for Swedish Red Cabbage to my own children and grandchildren, I think back to that cold winter evening when Greta first shared it with me. It reminds me of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to faraway places. And it fills me with gratitude for the joy and memories that cooking and sharing a good meal can bring.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of a new side dish to accompany your meal, I urge you to give Swedish Red Cabbage a try. Let its flavors transport you to a cozy kitchen in Sweden, where the warmth of good food and good company can always be found. Bon appétit!