30 Red Cabbage Recipes That Extend Way Beyond Slaw
What Is Red Cabbage?
Red cabbage is also known as purple cabbage. It’s a leafy vegetable that grows into a tight round ball shape. It has wide purplish-red leaves and a thick white stem at the base. Red cabbage leaves are soft when cooked and chewy when raw. When picking a fresh red cabbage, the leaves should look tight and the cabbage should feel heavy.
How To Cook Red Cabbage
Red cabbage is such a versatile vegetable. It can be used in recipes raw or cooked and it's very popular in coleslaw recipes and for unstuffed cabbage bakes or cabbage soup.
It adds such a great crunch to salads with its lightly peppery taste and when cooked, it has a nice sweet flavor when baked in a casserole or as a side with a meat entree.
Best Tips
If using your cabbage raw, massaging the leaves with olive oil or dressing helps to soften them and makes a wonderful addition to a fresh salad.
Wash a head of red cabbage very well before cooking it or using it in a salad.
When cutting the red cabbage, gently remove the white thick stem and throw it away.
Can Red Cabbage Be Cooked Like Green Cabbage?
Yes, although red cabbage will turn the recipe a bluish purple when cooked.
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What to Make With Red Cabbage
If you have an abundance of red cabbage, it makes a delicious base for salads and coleslaw, including a creamy coleslaw recipe that will be your favorite go-to for potlucks. To cook red cabbage, there are many ways to use this crunchy vegetable like sautéing, braising, roasting, or cooking it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Red Cabbage goes great with fresh apples, apple cider vinegar, Vidalia onions and thick-slab bacon.
Storing Red Cabbage
The best way to store cabbage is by not washing it until it's ready to use. Red cabbage actually loses some of its vitamin C when cut; this is what causes it to wilt and spoil quicker. Just wrap the cabbage in a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. Red cabbage can last up to a couple of months if it is stored this way.
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Is Red Cabbage Good For You?
Red cabbage is full of fiber, low in calories and high in vitamin C. It’s also full of antioxidants. Make sure to try one of these 30 best red cabbage recipes today!