Austria By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Austria: Red Cabbage with Apples (Recipe)

Braised red cabbage with apples in a serving bowl

In this article

Discover Red Cabbage with Apples, a much-loved classic of the Austrian table! This gentle braise pairs mildly tangy red cabbage with sweet, tender apples for a side dish that feels right at home on a festive spread or a simple weeknight supper. Warmed through with cloves and bay, it is the ideal companion to roasts and other hearty mains. Best of all, it asks for no special skills — just a little patience while the flavours mellow together.

About Red Cabbage with Apples

Red Cabbage with Apples is a truly traditional dish of Austrian cuisine, enjoyed both at festive gatherings and as an everyday side. The combination of mildly tangy red cabbage and sweet apples creates a beautifully balanced flavour that pairs perfectly with savoury main courses. It is typically served alongside various meat dishes, especially roasts and game. The preparation is straightforward and calls for no special culinary expertise, which makes it accessible to absolutely everyone.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

500 g red cabbage
1–2 apples (depending on size and sweetness)
1 onion
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 bay leaf
2–3 cloves
1 tablespoon oil or butter

Shopping for the ingredients

When shopping for your Red Cabbage with Apples, choose fresh, good-quality red cabbage. Look for a head that feels crisp and firm, as this is a sign of freshness. The apples matter just as much for the flavour, so reach for varieties such as Boskoop or Elstar, which offer the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The onions should be fresh too, to guarantee a pleasant aroma in the finished dish.

Preparing the dish

Preparing Red Cabbage with Apples begins with washing and slicing the cabbage thoroughly. Cut it into fine strips so that it cooks more evenly and takes on the flavours well. The apples are peeled and cut into small cubes, with the chosen variety contributing much of the final flavour. Don’t forget to dice the onion, as it provides an important aromatic foundation for the dish.

Step-by-step instructions

Heat the oil or butter in a large pan.
Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
Stir in the sliced red cabbage and let it soften for a few minutes.
Add the cubed apple, sugar, apple cider vinegar, bay leaf and cloves.
Pour in just enough water to barely cover the cabbage and bring everything to the boil.
Reduce the heat and let the dish simmer, covered, for about 40–60 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
Season with salt and pepper, and remove the whole spices before serving.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Making Red Cabbage with Apples gluten-free and lactose-free is wonderfully easy. The recipe contains no gluten-bearing products or dairy in the first place. Using oil instead of butter makes it especially suitable for anyone sensitive to lactose. That said, do check that your ingredients are labelled gluten-free when you shop, if that is important for your diet.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For vegans, Red Cabbage with Apples is an excellent choice, as the dish is naturally plant-based. To deepen the flavour further, try experimenting with spices such as cinnamon or allspice. Vegetarians might serve a nourishing vegetable side in place of meat to round out the meal. The dish also works beautifully alongside a hearty potato dish such as Styrian Potato Salad.

More tips and tricks

A few simple tips and tricks can elevate your Red Cabbage with Apples. Try swapping the sugar for honey or a natural sweetener to vary the taste. A pinch of cinnamon adds an interesting, warming note as well. Let the dish rest for a few hours or even overnight, as the flavours develop most fully when given a little time to settle before serving.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to flavour and texture. Red Cabbage with Apples adjusts easily — add a handful of raisins for extra sweetness, for instance, or use different apple varieties. Play with the amounts of vinegar and sugar too, until you strike the perfect balance for your personal taste. Some cooks prefer the cabbage soft and yielding, while others like it with a little more bite.

Ingredient substitutions

If you are missing certain ingredients or simply fancy a change, there are plenty of substitutions for Red Cabbage with Apples. In place of apple cider vinegar you can use white balsamic or a squeeze of lemon juice to keep things fresh. If you have no red cabbage to hand, white cabbage works too, though the flavour will shift slightly — much as it does in a dish like Wiener Krautfleckerl. With the apples, the many available varieties each offer their own flavour and degree of sweetness.

Drink pairing ideas

Choosing the right drink can turn the meal into a complete pleasure. Red Cabbage with Apples pairs especially well with robust red wines such as a Merlot or a Pinot Noir, which complement the flavours of the dish beautifully. Alternatively, serve a well-chilled apple wine or a dry cider. For an alcohol-free option, a fresh herbal tea or a sparkling grape juice works a treat.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation is an important part of any meal and can make your Red Cabbage with Apples the star of the table. Serve it in a generous bowl and garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley. A handsome, colourful serving platter adds to the visual appeal too. When plating it alongside other sides — perhaps a Schweinsbraten — make sure the colours sit harmoniously together.

A bit of history

The story of Red Cabbage with Apples reaches back to the early days of Austrian cooking. Red cabbage was originally used as a simple, nourishing side to meat dishes, balancing out their richness. Over time the dish was refined and has since become a popular feature of festive occasions. This culinary tradition reflects not only the influences of the region but also the local produce that forms such an important part of Austria’s food culture.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Red Cabbage with Apples

In short, Red Cabbage with Apples is not just a simple dish but a wonderfully versatile side that adapts effortlessly to individual tastes. The pairing of the apples’ sweetness with the gentle acidity of the red cabbage makes it a perfect complement to many main courses. Whether for a festive celebration or a simple supper, this dish is always appreciated. Enjoy it, and rediscover the flavours of Austrian cuisine all over again!