A rustic ceramic bowl filled with tender red cabbage, cooked with slices of pear, chopped juniper berries, and a hint of cinnamon. The dish has a rich, vibrant purple color, garnished with fresh herb sprigs and accompanied by cinnamon sticks. The setting includes holiday decor like warm-toned textiles and festive accents, with soft natural lighting highlighting the rich textures and colors, making it an inviting holiday side dish.

Spiced Red Cabbage with Juniper & Pears

A fragrant and flavorful side of red cabbage with juniper and sweet pears, perfect for holiday feasts.
Portions:8
Cooking Time:1 hour 30 minutes
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Equipment

  • Large heavy-based pan

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 onions halved and sliced
  • 2 large garlic cloves chopped
  • 30 juniper berries chopped
  • 1 red cabbage about 1kg, quartered, cored, and shredded
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon or 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 3 tbsp light muscovado sugar
  • 600 ml vegetable stock
  • 2 firm pears peeled, cored, and each cut into 8 wedges

Instructions

  • Sauté the Onions: In a large heavy-based pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and sauté for about 8 minutes, until softened.
  • Add Garlic and Juniper: Stir in the chopped garlic and juniper berries and cook for an additional minute.
  • Cook the Cabbage: Add as much shredded cabbage as possible to the pan, stirring until it begins to soften.
  • Gradually add the remaining cabbage along with the cinnamon, red wine vinegar, sugar, and vegetable stock.
  • Simmer: Stir well, cover the pan, and cook over low heat for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Add the Pears: Add the pear wedges to the pan and cook for another 10-15 minutes, depending on the ripeness of the pears.
  • (If planning to freeze, cook for only 5 minutes to maintain texture).
  • Serve or Store: Serve warm as a side dish.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Wine Advice
Pair with a dry Riesling or a light red wine like Pinot Noir, which complements the fruity and spiced notes.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 130 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 3 g | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 17 g | Salt: 0.5 mg
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Cuisine German
Holliday Christmas
Diets Vegan