Delia Smith’s Braised Red Cabbage is a classic, comforting side dish that brings a vibrant splash of color and a deep, tangy flavor to any meal. Slow-cooked with apples, onions, vinegar, and spices, this dish perfectly balances sweet and sour notes. It’s an ideal accompaniment to roast meats, especially during the winter and holiday seasons.
What is Delia Braised Red Cabbage?
Delia’s Braised Red Cabbage is a slow-cooked dish made with finely shredded red cabbage, apples, onions, and a mixture of sugar, vinegar, and spices. The long, gentle cooking time allows the flavors to blend together and create a rich, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roasts or stews.
Other Popular Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect Holiday Side: It’s a wonderful addition to any roast dinner, especially during Christmas.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of sweet and sour flavors creates a delicious contrast.
- Great Make-Ahead Dish: You can prepare it in advance, and it tastes even better the next day.
- Nutrient-Packed: Red cabbage is rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
- Versatile: Pairs well with many types of meats or vegetarian dishes.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Braised Red Cabbage
- 1 large red cabbage (about 1kg), finely shredded
- 2 medium onions, finely sliced
- 2 large cooking apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 50g butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Equipment Needed
- Large ovenproof dish or casserole with a lid
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Foil or a lid for covering
Instructions to Make Delia Braised Red Cabbage
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) or gas mark 2.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely shred the red cabbage, slice the onions, and chop the apples. Set them aside.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a large ovenproof dish or casserole, layer the shredded cabbage, onions, and apples, sprinkling the brown sugar, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and pepper in between the layers.
- Add the Vinegar and Butter: Pour the red wine vinegar over the top of the cabbage mixture. Dot the butter evenly over the cabbage.
- Cover and Cook in the Oven: Cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid or foil. Place in the preheated oven and cook slowly for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the cabbage cooks evenly.
- Check and Serve: Once the cabbage is tender and has absorbed the flavors, check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if necessary. Serve hot as a side dish.
What Goes Well With Delia Braised Red Cabbage
- Roast Pork: The sweetness and acidity of the cabbage perfectly complement roasted pork.
- Duck or Goose: A traditional side for Christmas roast duck or goose.
- Beef Stew: Serve alongside a rich beef stew for a hearty winter meal.
- Roast Chicken: Braised red cabbage adds a nice contrast to roast chicken with crispy skin.
- Sausages: The tangy cabbage pairs well with grilled or roasted sausages.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve with buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Braised Red Cabbage
- Use a Heavy Casserole Dish: A heavy casserole dish helps cook the cabbage evenly and prevents burning.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Don’t rush the cooking process—low heat over a long period allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
- Sweeten to Taste: You can adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
- Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stirring occasionally during cooking ensures the cabbage cooks evenly and prevents any bits from sticking to the bottom.
- Make Ahead for Better Flavor: Braised red cabbage often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
Easy Variations of Delia Braised Red Cabbage
- Orange Zest and Juice: Add the zest and juice of one orange for a citrusy twist.
- Spiced Red Cabbage: Increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg for a spicier version.
- Bacon and Red Cabbage: Add crispy bacon lardons for a smoky flavor.
- Vegan Version: Replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based spread for a vegan-friendly dish.
- Cranberry Red Cabbage: Add a handful of dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
Best Practices to Store Delia Braised Red Cabbage
- Refrigerate: Store the leftover cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Red cabbage freezes well. Cool the cabbage completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat the cabbage in a saucepan over low heat or in the oven until warmed through. You may need to add a little water or butter to refresh it.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Braised Red Cabbage
- Stovetop Reheating: Reheat the cabbage in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until fully warmed.
- Oven Reheating: Place the cabbage in a covered dish and reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot.
How Can I Make Delia Braised Red Cabbage Healthier?
- Reduce the Sugar: Use less brown sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Swap the Butter: Use olive oil or a plant-based alternative to reduce saturated fat.
- Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding in carrots or parsnips for extra fiber and vitamins.
- Use Cider Vinegar: Cider vinegar can be a healthier option compared to red wine vinegar, offering added health benefits.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 14g
FAQs
Can I freeze braised red cabbage?
Yes, braised red cabbage can be frozen. Once cooled, store it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
How long does braised red cabbage last in the fridge?
Braised red cabbage will last for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.
Can I make braised red cabbage in advance?
Yes, braised red cabbage can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store in the fridge and reheat before serving.
What can I serve with braised red cabbage?
Braised red cabbage pairs well with roast meats like pork, beef, or duck. It also complements mashed potatoes, sausages, and hearty dishes like beef stew or roast chicken.
Final Words
This Delia Braised Red Cabbage Recipe is a wonderful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that will add warmth and richness to your meal. Perfect for holiday feasts or as a side dish for any roast, it’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Red Cabbage
- Jamie Oliver Christmas Red Cabbage
- Jamie Oliver Pickled Red Cabbage
- Mary Berry Red Cabbage
Delia Braised Red Cabbage
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 150
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia’s Braised Red Cabbage is a slow-cooked dish made with finely shredded red cabbage, apples, onions, and a mixture of sugar, vinegar, and spices. The long, gentle cooking time allows the flavors to blend together and create a rich, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roasts or stews.
Ingredients
- 1 large red cabbage (about 1kg), finely shredded
- 2 medium onions, finely sliced
- 2 large cooking apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 50g butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) or gas mark 2.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely shred the red cabbage, slice the onions, and chop the apples. Set them aside.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a large ovenproof dish or casserole, layer the shredded cabbage, onions, and apples, sprinkling the brown sugar, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, salt, and pepper in between the layers.
- Add the Vinegar and Butter: Pour the red wine vinegar over the top of the cabbage mixture. Dot the butter evenly over the cabbage.
- Cover and Cook in the Oven: Cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid or foil. Place in the preheated oven and cook slowly for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the cabbage cooks evenly.
- Check and Serve: Once the cabbage is tender and has absorbed the flavors, check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if necessary. Serve hot as a side dish.
