Sweet & Sour Cabbage
A Taste of Home with a Twist
The holidays are a time to gather, celebrate, and share meals that evoke warmth and comfort. For my daughter-in-law, who often misses her German family during the holiday season, this Sweet & Sour Cabbage recipe is a little slice of home with a unique twist. Combining the tangy, sweet, and savory flavors she grew up with, this dish pairs beautifully with ham, making it a standout side for any festive table.
Here’s what you’ll need to create this dish:
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 large white onion, thinly sliced
1 small red cabbage, cored and shredded
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons San-J 50% Less Sodium Tamari Lite
Frying the Bacon
The key to this recipe’s flavor begins with the bacon. Start by placing the chopped bacon in a cold pan or Dutch oven, then slowly cook it over medium heat until it’s golden and crispy. The rendered bacon grease adds a smoky depth to the cabbage and onions that’s simply irresistible. Once the bacon is done, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside to drain while you move on to the next step.
Combining for Perfection
Next, add the onion and red cabbage to the pan with the bacon grease. Let them cook gently until the cabbage just begins to wilt, releasing its natural sweetness. Then, add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and San-J Tamari Lite, which perfectly balances the sweet, sour, and savory. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer until the cabbage is tender but still vibrant, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Finally, stir the crispy bacon back in just before serving.
A Holiday Favorite
This Sweet & Sour Cabbage isn’t just a delicious side dish; it’s a heartfelt nod to family traditions with a modern twist. Its bright flavors make it a perfect complement to savory mains like ham, and it’s sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
For my daughter-in-law, this dish brings a taste of her German heritage to the table, adding a touch of nostalgia to our celebrations. It’s proof that even small gestures, like preparing a dish reminiscent of home, can make the holidays even more special.
This recipe is for 4 but can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger gathering.
Sweet & Sour Cabbage
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon , chopped
- 1 large white onion , cut in half then thinly sliced
- 1 small red cabbage , cored and sliced into ½-inch shreds
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons San-J 50% Less Sodium Tamari Lite
Instructions
- Place the bacon in a cold pan or Dutch Oven. Turn the heat to medium and cook until the bacon is crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add the onion and cabbage to the bacon grease, and cook, stirring, until the cabbage just begins to wilt, about 10 minutes. Add the vinegar, maple syrup, and tamari. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy, about 20 – 30 minutes. Stir in the bacon and serve.
Nutrition
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