Bring colour, warmth, and a touch of festive spice to your Christmas table with this homemade red cabbage recipe. Slow-cooked with apples, spices, and a hint of sweetness, it’s the perfect side dish to accompany roast turkey, goose, pork, or beef — and it tastes even better made ahead of time.

🥬 Ingredients

Serves 6–8

• 1 medium red cabbage (about 1kg), finely shredded

• 2 apples, peeled, cored, and grated or finely chopped

• 1 large red onion, finely sliced

• 3 tbsp organic butter or goose fat

• 3 tbsp brown sugar (or honey for a natural option)

• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 100ml fresh orange juice or water

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 cloves or 1 star anise (optional for festive flavour)

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

👩🍳 Method

1. Prepare the vegetables
   Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage, then quarter and remove the core. Finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline.

2. Sauté the aromatics
   In a large heavy-based pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook gently for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent.

3. Add the cabbage and fruit
   Stir in the red cabbage and grated apples, coating everything in the butter.

4. Season and add flavour
   Sprinkle in the brown sugar, add the vinegar, orange juice, and spices. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Slow cook for perfection
   Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and glossy. If it starts to dry out, add a splash more juice or water.

6. Taste and adjust
   Before serving, taste and balance the flavours — add more vinegar for tang, or a little extra sugar for sweetness if needed.

🌟 Helpful Tips

• Make ahead: Red cabbage tastes even better the next day as the flavours develop. Reheat gently on the hob or in the oven with a little butter.

• Freezer friendly: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

• Add a twist: Stir in a handful of dried cranberries or a splash of port towards the end of cooking for a rich, festive touch.

• Perfect pairing: Serve alongside our Organic Free-Range Turkey, Christmas Ham, or Roast Pork with Crackling for a beautiful, balanced plate.

🕯️ Why We Love It

This traditional red cabbage recipe is simple, sustainable, and full of organic goodness — proof that the best festive flavours come from slow cooking and high-quality ingredients.