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Oma's Bavarian Braised Cabbage (Weisskraut)

Make this traditional Bavarian braised cabbage, perfect whenever you’re craving a classic, comforting German side dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) oil or (26 grams) bacon fat
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large apple, peeled & thickly sliced
• 2 tablespoons (26 grams) granulated sugar
• 1¾ pounds (800 grams) white or green cabbage, shredded
• 1 garlic clove, crushed (optional)
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) caraway seeds
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth, plus more if needed
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white wine vinegar

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the apple slices and sauté for 1 minute.
2. Stir in the sugar and the shredded cabbage. Continue to sauté over medium heat until some of the cabbage is browned as well.
3. Add the garlic, caraway seeds, and broth. Stir to scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about a ½ hour, or until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally and adding extra broth or water if needed.
5. Stir in the vinegar and season with additional salt, pepper, sugar, and vinegar, if needed. Serve.

Notes/Hints:

• To thicken sauce, dissolve 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a bit of cold water. Slowly add just enough to boiling liquid until thickened.
• Use vegetable broth if you're making this vegan. Water can also be substituted for this.
• You can substitute with apple cider vinegar, if you wish.
• You can decrease or increase the cooking time depending on how 'tender' you like the cabbage.
• Add a bay leaf, if desired.
• For another great side dish that's from northern Germany, braised cabbage recipe.
• If you've got a purple cabbage lying around, then here's the absolute best way to make that.

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

Updated on January 24, 2026