Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage Recipe

The Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage is a beautiful, vibrant dish that brings a pop of festive color to your holiday table. Made with finely shredded red cabbage, apples, and warm spices, this dish offers a balance of sweetness and tanginess, enhanced by the subtle acidity of red wine vinegar. It’s a perfect side dish to pair with roasted meats or a vegetarian main. The deep, rich purple hue of the cabbage looks stunning, making it not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

This recipe takes about an hour to prepare and cook, making it a relatively simple yet impressive dish for your Christmas feast.

What is Mary Berry’s Christmas Red Cabbage?

The Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage is a traditional side dish made by slowly cooking red cabbage with apples, onions, brown sugar, and festive spices like cinnamon and cloves. The addition of red wine vinegar provides a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of other holiday dishes. This slow-simmered dish is perfect for preparing ahead of time and reheating before serving, making it convenient for busy holiday cooking.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Festive and Flavorful: The combination of warm spices, apples, and red cabbage brings out delicious seasonal flavors perfect for the holiday table.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a stress-free side dish for Christmas.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance, saving you time on the day of your holiday meal.
• Versatile Pairing: It pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, from roast turkey to vegetarian roasts.
• Nutrient-Rich: Red cabbage is full of vitamins and fiber, making this a healthy and wholesome side option.
• Visually Stunning: Its vibrant color adds a beautiful, festive touch to any meal presentation.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage

• Red Cabbage (1 medium, finely shredded): The star of the dish, red cabbage brings a vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Red Onion (1, finely sliced): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Cooking Apples (2, peeled and chopped): Add a sweet and tart contrast to the cabbage.
• Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Helps to caramelize the cabbage and balances the tangy vinegar.
• Red Wine Vinegar (4 tbsp): Brings acidity, which enhances the flavor of the cabbage.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds a warm, festive spice to the dish.
• Ground Cloves (½ tsp): Gives the cabbage a rich, aromatic flavor.
• Butter (25g): Used to sauté the onion and add richness to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and bring out the flavors.

Equipment

• Large Saucepan: For cooking the cabbage and combining ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: To stir the cabbage and spices.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For shredding the cabbage and chopping the apples.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure out the spices and sugar.
• Peeler: To peel the apples before chopping.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all the ingredients before you begin cooking.

• Shred the Cabbage: Finely shred the red cabbage and set it aside.
• Chop the Apples: Peel and chop the cooking apples into small cubes.
• Slice the Onion: Finely slice the red onion to get an even texture when cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Cabbage and Apples

Now, it’s time to start cooking the red cabbage and apples together.

• Sauté the Onion: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
• Add the Cabbage and Apples: Stir in the shredded red cabbage and chopped apples, mixing well to combine.

Step 3: Add the Flavors

This step is where the festive flavors come into play.

• Stir in the Spices: Add the ground cinnamon and ground cloves, stirring to coat the cabbage evenly with the spices.
• Add Sugar and Vinegar: Sprinkle the brown sugar over the cabbage mixture, followed by the red wine vinegar. Stir well to ensure everything is coated and the flavors are balanced.

Step 4: Simmer the Cabbage

Now, let the cabbage simmer to bring out the flavors.

• Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the cabbage cook for about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
• Adjust Seasoning: After 45 minutes, check the cabbage for tenderness and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve the Cabbage

Once your cabbage is perfectly tender and flavorful, it’s ready to serve.

• Serve Warm: Transfer the Christmas red cabbage to a serving dish and serve it warm. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a festive vegetarian side.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage

Pairing this dish with the right sides and mains enhances the overall festive meal.

• Roast Turkey: The tangy cabbage cuts through the richness of the roast turkey.
• Glazed Ham: Sweet and salty ham pairs perfectly with the spiced cabbage.
• Roast Beef: Adds a refreshing contrast to hearty, savory beef.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the slight crunch of the cabbage.
• Stuffing: The flavors of herbs and breadstuffing balance the sweetness of the cabbage.
• Vegetarian Roast: Ideal for those seeking a flavorful vegetarian side to pair with a nut roast.
• Yorkshire Puddings: Soft and airy, these puddings soak up the cabbage’s juices beautifully.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage

To make this dish perfect for your Christmas table, follow these tips.

• Use Fresh Cabbage: Fresh, firm cabbage ensures a great texture and vibrant color.
• Cook Low and Slow: Allow the cabbage to cook on low heat for the flavors to develop fully.
• Don’t Overdo the Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is key, but too much can overpower the sweetness, so balance it well.
• Add Spices Gradually: Taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish with cloves or cinnamon.
• Stir Occasionally: Stir the cabbage occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent it from sticking.
• Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared the day before, as it tastes even better after the flavors have melded.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage

This recipe is adaptable to your taste or dietary preferences with simple tweaks.

• Add Cranberries: Stir in dried cranberries for a sweet, tangy twist.
• Use Apple Cider Vinegar: Swap red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder taste.
• Include Orange Zest: For a citrusy note, add some grated orange zest during cooking.
• Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• Replace Apples with Pears: Pears bring a different kind of sweetness to the dish.
• Go Nutty: Toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage

Storing your red cabbage properly ensures you can enjoy it later without losing quality.

• Cool Completely: Let the cabbage cool to room temperature before transferring to containers.
• Use Airtight Containers: Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Place the cabbage in the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Label with Date: Always label the container with the date so you know when to use it by.
• Freeze if Needed: For longer storage, freeze the cabbage for up to 1 month.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage

Reheating properly preserves the dish’s flavors and texture.

• Reheat on Low Heat: Warm the cabbage gently over low heat on the stovetop.
• Add a Splash of Liquid: If it seems dry, add a little water or butter to restore moisture.
• Microwave Gently: If using a microwave, reheat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
• Stir Frequently: Stir occasionally to ensure even heating without burning.
• Avoid Overheating: Warm it just until heated through, so the cabbage doesn’t become mushy.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage Healthier?

Simple changes can make this dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.

• Reduce Sugar: Lower the amount of brown sugar to make the dish less sweet and lower in calories.
• Use Less Butter: Swap butter with a smaller amount of olive oil for a healthier fat option.
• Add More Vegetables: Boost the fiber content by adding shredded carrots or thinly sliced fennel.
• Choose Apple Cider Vinegar: This vinegar contains probiotics that support gut health.
• Opt for a Sugar Substitute: Use honey or a natural sweetener like stevia for a lower glycemic index.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugars: 15g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Saturated Fat: 2g

FAQs

Can You Make Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage ahead of time. It actually improves in flavor when made a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it gently before serving.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage?

This recipe takes about 45 minutes to cook on low heat. The cabbage is slow-cooked to ensure it absorbs the flavors of the spices, apples, and vinegar, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

Can I Freeze Mary Berry’s Christmas Red Cabbage?

Yes, Mary Berry’s Christmas Red Cabbage can be frozen. After cooking, allow the cabbage to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Reheat gently from frozen for best results.

What Can I Serve with Mary Berry Christmas Red Cabbage?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, beef, or ham. It also complements vegetarian mains like nut roasts or lentil loaf, making it a versatile side for any festive meal.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Christmas Red Cabbage is the perfect side dish to brighten up your holiday table. Its vibrant color and festive flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, whether served alongside roast meats or as part of a vegetarian feast. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities!

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