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Quick Red Cabbage (Schnelles Rezept Für Rotkohl)
by: Gerhild Fulson / Oma Gerhild shares German recipes rooted in family tradition.
Published: October 12, 2012, Updated: April 28, 2025
Quick German red cabbage (rotkohl) is a lifesaver at our house. With jarred cabbage and a few extras, it tastes just like homemade!
This red cabbage recipe is so quick to make! Simply use canned or jarred cabbage for a delightful German side dish!This red cabbage recipe is quick, simple, and won’t stain your hands red because it uses jarred cabbage! A few extra ingredients make it taste just like homemade. Want a from-scratch version? Check it out below!
Oma’s Recipe Rundown
Ease of Making: Super simple. Ready in about 35 minutes
Taste: Sweet, tangy, and comforting
Time: 35 minutes total
Best Served With: Schnitzel, sausages, or roast meats
Gluten-Free: Yes, naturally gluten-free
Top Tips For Best Results
- Use Jarred or Canned Red Cabbage: Saves time and avoids red-stained hands
- Add Grated Apples: Enhances the sweet and sour flavor
- Season to Taste: Adjust salt, pepper, sugar, and red wine to your preference
- Simmer Properly: Allow flavors to meld over 20 minutes
- Vegan Hack: Omit bacon and sauté onions in oil for a plant-based version
From Oma's heart to your table
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Oma Says
If you're looking for a recipe for red cabbage that starts from scratch, then check out this red cabbage. Yes, this is what my son asks for when he comes for a visit. He'll ask for red cabbage ... and not the jarred one. He can really taste the difference.
Personally, I like both. But, as a Mutti and Oma, I'll make the 'from-scratch' kind when family comes!
Recipe Credit
Thanks go to Gerhild Naggert for sharing her delicious shortcut for red cabbage. Thanks to her easy recipe using jarred or canned cabbage, there’s no mess and no fuss. Just pure homemade taste!
Quick Red Cabbage Recipe – schnelles Rezept für Rotkohl
Quick German Red Cabbage (Rotkohl) is a lifesaver at our house. With jarred cabbage and a few extras, it tastes just like homemade!
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Servings:
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 stripes (about 120 g) bacon, diced
- 1 medium (about 150 g) onion, diced
- 32-ounce (about 900 g) jarred or canned red cabbage
- 2 medium apples, grated (use coarse side of grater)
- 1 bay leaf
- salt, pepper, sugar (to taste)
- red wine (to taste)
Instructions:
- Fry the bacon in pan until browned.
- Add onion and continue frying until onion is golden brown.
- Add red cabbage and grated apples.
- Add bay leaf. Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and red wine.
- Bring to boil and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
* * * * *
Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com
Recipe Updated: April 28, 2025
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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.
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