James Martin’s Christmas Red Cabbage is a festive side dish that brings together the warmth of spices and the tanginess of vinegar with the natural sweetness of red cabbage. Perfect for holiday meals, this vibrant dish complements roast meats and rich gravies, making it a wonderful addition to Christmas dinners.
What is James Martin Christmas Red Cabbage?
James Martin’s Christmas Red Cabbage is a slow-cooked, spiced cabbage dish made with apples, onions, vinegar, and sugar. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy dish that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Other Popular Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Festive Flavors: The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors that work well with Christmas roasts.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking method.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better when made in advance, giving you one less thing to worry about on Christmas Day.
- Great for Leftovers: Keeps well and can be reheated easily.
- Rich in Nutrients: Red cabbage is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Ingredients Needed to Make James Martin Christmas Red Cabbage
- 1 large red cabbage (about 1kg), finely shredded
- 2 medium onions, finely sliced
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 50g butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions to Make James Martin Christmas Red Cabbage
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely shred the red cabbage, slice the onions, and chop the apples. Set them aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a large casserole dish or heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the Onions and Apples: Add the sliced onions and chopped apples to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Cabbage and Spices: Stir in the shredded red cabbage, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to coat the cabbage in the butter and spices.
- Cover and Cook Slowly: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and allow the cabbage to cook slowly for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the cabbage starts to dry out, add a splash of water or more vinegar.
- Check the Flavor and Serve: Once the cabbage is tender and fully cooked, check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Serve hot as a side dish for your Christmas meal.
What Goes Well With James Martin Christmas Red Cabbage
- Roast Turkey: This tangy and spiced cabbage is a perfect complement to a classic roast turkey.
- Roast Pork: The sweetness of the cabbage pairs beautifully with roast pork and crackling.
- Duck or Goose: A traditional Christmas favorite, red cabbage works well with rich meats like duck or goose.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent side dish to balance the tangy cabbage.
- Sausages: Serve alongside hearty sausages for a comforting meal.
- Gravy: Drizzle rich gravy over your plate to tie all the flavors together.
Expert Tips for Making the Best James Martin Christmas Red Cabbage
- Low and Slow Cooking: For the best flavor and texture, cook the cabbage slowly over low heat. This allows the spices and vinegar to deeply infuse the cabbage.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices make a big difference in flavor, especially with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cabbage, you can add more brown sugar or even a splash of apple juice.
- Make It Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance and simply reheat before serving.
- Avoid Overcooking: While slow-cooking is key, be sure to stir occasionally to avoid overcooking or burning the cabbage.
Easy Variations of James Martin Christmas Red Cabbage
- Spiced Orange Red Cabbage: Add the zest and juice of one orange for a citrusy twist.
- Red Cabbage with Cranberries: Add a handful of fresh or dried cranberries for a festive touch and extra sweetness.
- Bacon and Red Cabbage: Fry bacon lardons until crispy and mix them into the cabbage for a smoky flavor.
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based spread to make the dish vegan-friendly.
- Apple Cider Red Cabbage: Use apple cider instead of red wine vinegar for a slightly sweeter, fruity flavor.
Best Practices to Store James Martin Christmas Red Cabbage
- Refrigerate: Store 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. Add a splash of water or vinegar if it looks dry.
Best Practices to Reheat James Martin Christmas 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 James Martin Christmas Red Cabbage Healthier?
- Reduce the Sugar: Use less brown sugar or replace it 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 shredded carrots or parsnips for extra fiber and vitamins.
- Use Apple Cider Vinegar: Opt for apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for additional health benefits.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 14g
FAQs
Can I make Christmas red cabbage ahead of time?
Yes, Christmas red cabbage can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. The flavors improve as it sits, so it’s a great dish to prepare in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
How do I prevent red cabbage from turning blue during cooking?
To prevent red cabbage from turning blue, always add an acidic ingredient such as red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice. The acidity helps preserve the vibrant red color of the cabbage.
Can I freeze cooked red cabbage?
Yes, cooked red cabbage freezes well. Cool the cabbage completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
What dishes go well with Christmas red cabbage?
Christmas red cabbage pairs beautifully with roast meats such as turkey, pork, duck, or goose. It’s also a great side dish for mashed potatoes, sausages, and rich gravies.
Final Words
This James Martin Christmas Red Cabbage Recipe is the perfect side dish for your festive table. With its balance of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Red Cabbage
- Jamie Oliver Christmas Red Cabbage
- Delia Braised Red Cabbage
- Jamie Oliver Pickled Red Cabbage
James Martin Christmas Red Cabbage
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 90
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: British
Description
James Martin’s Christmas Red Cabbage is a slow-cooked, spiced cabbage dish made with apples, onions, vinegar, and sugar. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy dish that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 large red cabbage (about 1kg), finely shredded
- 2 medium onions, finely sliced
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 50g butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Finely shred the red cabbage, slice the onions, and chop the apples. Set them aside.
- Melt the Butter: In a large casserole dish or heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the Onions and Apples: Add the sliced onions and chopped apples to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Cabbage and Spices: Stir in the shredded red cabbage, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to coat the cabbage in the butter and spices.
- Cover and Cook Slowly: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and allow the cabbage to cook slowly for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If the cabbage starts to dry out, add a splash of water or more vinegar.
- Check the Flavor and Serve: Once the cabbage is tender and fully cooked, check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Serve hot as a side dish for your Christmas meal.
