Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe – Oma’s Bavarian Weisskraut * (2024)

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Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe – Oma’s Bavarian Weisskraut * (1)

by: Gerhild Fulson / Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!

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Looking for an easy braised cabbage recipe? Bayrisches Weisskraut, aka Bavarian white cabbage, is a great recipe that has simple ingredients.

Although sauerkraut is probably the most common cabbage recipe associated with Germany, this easy braised cabbage side dish is a long time favorite among locals in the southern part of Germany.

Not only is this a super simple recipe, but it's a great way to use a head of cabbage, the main ingredient. Usually made with green variety (though in German, it's called white) it can also be made using savoy cabbage, with the end result being a milder taste.

Either way, it's one of the favorite ways to use the humble cabbage.

Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe – Oma’s Bavarian Weisskraut * (4)

There's a certain sweet/sourness to this braised cabbage dish that's just like eating candy! It really does taste great with almost anything. The seasonings make this dish a traditional German food.

If you like your cabbage a bit tangy, add a touch of vinegar at the end for extra flavor. The resulting sweet-sour taste is one I just love - I remember it so well from my Mutti's kitchen.

This braised cabbage, stemming from the Bavarian region is one that is also loved during the Oktoberfest celebrations. If you're planning on creating your own Oktoberfest party, then include this cabbage dish as one of your sides.

It's a good thing to make it the day ahead, since it really does taste better the next day.

Are There Benefits To Eating Cabbage?

Cabbage is VERY healthy for you and your body in many ways. While it is low in calories, its nutrient profile speaks for itself! It's exceptionally high in vitamin K, vitamin A and vitamin C. It's high in fibre, folate, magnesium and potassium.

When it is fermented, think sauerkraut, it even has natural probiotics. Of course, fresh cabbage is super healthy, think coleslaw!

I can't forget to mention the greatest benefit of all...it is oh-so tasty and inexpensive (a large cabbage goes a long way!), besides being good for you! That's what makes cabbage so wunderbar.

Has this veggie earned its spot on your plate yet?

What is Braising?

Braising, known as schmoren in German, is the method whereby meat or vegetables are first browned over high heat. A small amount of flavorful liquid, such as chicken stock, is added, the pot is covered, and then it's slowly simmered until the meat or vegetables are tender.

In the dish below, browning (or caramelizing) the onions gives such a delicious flavor. Add the cabbage to these browned onions and continue browning the cabbage for a little while. The caramelized cabbage will add such delicious flavors, you'll be absolutely amazed.

How to cut cabbage?

  • After washing the cabbage, remove any loose outer leaves.
  • Cut the bottom part of the stem off.
  • Cut the cabbage in half from top to bottom.
  • Cut the cabbage pieces into into several wedges, again from top to bottom.
  • Cut off the stem and the center core from each piece.
  • Cut the cabbage wedges by placing them cut side down and slicing as thinly or as thickly as desired

For this Weisskraut dish, I don't slice the wedges of cabbage too thinly. We like to have a bit more body to the final dish, as you can see in the photo above.

Lydia Remembers...

I have so many wunderbar memories in the kitchen with my Oma, and have had MANY of her most popular and traditional recipes, like this braised cabbage.

Though this braised green cabbage side dish is not my favorite things (I absolutely LOVE red cabbage though), I still enjoyed making it with Oma from time to time. This recipe is VERY German and very much loved by the rest of my family.

Cabbage is so versatile. It can be served on it's own, served over bratwurst, and even in a salad! Oh, and don't forget to try Oma's red cabbage. It's my absolute fav!

Go to recipe >

But first, try Oma's super German braised cabbage recipe below, add your own little flare to it and enjoy!

Learn a little bit about me,Lydia, and my kitchen adventures with Oma!

What to serve with braised cabbage?

There's very little that doesn't go with braised cabbage, but below are my favorite meats. If you're not wanting meat with this, perhaps making Krautfleckenwith the cabbage would be an interesting alternative.

  • Roast chicken
  • Pork hocks
  • Meat loaf
  • Sausages
  • Pork roast

Oma's Fun Fact:

The caraway seed isn't just in there for flavor!

Did you know that adding caraway seed is a very natural way for helping to reduce the 'gas' problem that seems to follow some people when eating cabbage!

Ready to make this braised cabbage?

Is the recipe below locked?Here'swhy.

Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe – Oma’s Bavarian Weisskraut * (8)

Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe – Oma’s Bayrisches Weisskraut

Looking for an easy braised cabbage recipe? Bayrisches Weisskraut, aka Bavarian white cabbage, stems from Bavaria, the home of Oktoberfest in Munich. Although sauerkraut is probably the most commonly associated with Germany, this easy side dish is a long time favorite recipe with locals in the southern part of Germany,

Usually made with green cabbage (though in German, it's called white) it can also be made using savoy cabbage, with the end result being a milder taste. If you're wanting the northern version, try this braised cabbage. It's the one I grew up with.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Total Time

60 minutes

Servings:

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

  • 2 - 3 tablespoons olive oil or bacon fat
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 tablespoonssugar
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • ½ large green (white) cabbage, coarsely shredded
  • salt, freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (to taste, optional)

Instructions:

  1. In large skillet or dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and brown slightly.
  2. Stir sugar and some of the shredded cabbage. Continue to saute over medium heat until some of the cabbage is browned as well.
  3. Add garlic, caraway seeds, and broth. Stir to scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Bring to boil and lower temperature. Cover and simmer on low heat for about ½ hour or until cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally and adding extra broth or water if needed.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and vinegar.

Notes/Hints:

  • To thicken sauce, dissolve 1 to 2 tablespoonscornstarch in a bit of cold water. Slowly add just enough to boiling liquid until thickened.
  • Use vegetable broth if you're making this vegan. Water can also be substituted for this.
  • You can substitute with apple cider vinegar, if you wish.
  • You can decrease or increase the cooking time depending on how 'tender' you like the cabbage.
  • Add a bay leaf, if desired.
  • For another great side dish that's from northern Germany,braised cabbage recipe.
  • If you've got a purple cabbage lying around, then here's the absolute best way to make that.

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

08.11.2021 revision update

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Meet with us around Oma's table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.

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Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe – Oma’s Bavarian Weisskraut * (20)

Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe ~ Oma’s Bayrisches Weisskraut

By Oma Gerhild Fulson
Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe – Oma’s Bavarian Weisskraut * (21)
Make the BEST Bavarian braised cabbage recipe just that’s perfect for Oktoberfest or anytime you’re wanting a traditional German side dish. It’s Weisskraut, just like Oma makes it.

Ingredients: oil,onion,garlic,green cabbage,seasonings,broth,vinegar,

For the full recipe, scroll up ...

Words to the Wise

"People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness."

Proverbs 14:29 (NLT)

Top of Braised Cabbage Recipe

Best German Braised Cabbage Recipe – Oma’s Bavarian Weisskraut  * (2024)

FAQs

What is cabbage called in Germany? ›

Weißkraut = white cabbage (also called Weißkohl) Blaukraut or Rotkraut = red cabbage (also called Rotkohl) Sauerkraut = fermented white cabbage or 'sour cabbage'

How do you cook cabbage without making it soggy? ›

Giving sliced wedges of cabbage a quick roasting session in the oven will help them to caramelize and get nice and crispy. Instead of getting soggy and overcooked, the cabbage will have a nice crisp texture and a more complex flavor than raw cabbage. You can also infuse cabbage with tons of flavor by braising it.

How do you cook Delia cabbage? ›

What I do is pack it down quite tightly into a saucepan, sprinkle with salt, then place the pan over a high heat, pour in boiling water from the kettle, which re-boils instantly, and time it for 3-5 minutes. The one way to tell if it's cooked is to bite a piece, as you would pasta.

How long to reheat braised cabbage? ›

In a buttered ovenproof dish, covered with foil, in the oven at 180C (conventional heat) for about 30 minutes. In a saucepan, over a medium heat, covered with a lid for about 20 - 30 minutes (stirring occasionally).

Is sauerkraut good for your kidneys? ›

Sauerkraut is fermented in salt brine, so the sodium content in sauerkraut is quite high. High sodium levels in the body increase blood pressure and the risk of unwanted cardiovascular and renal issues. If you suffer from any diseases, you are recommended to take your doctor's advice before consuming sauerkraut.

Do Germans eat a lot of cabbage? ›

Vegetables are often used in stews or vegetable soups, but are also served as side dishes. Carrots, cauliflower, turnips, spinach, peas, beans, broccoli and many types of cabbage are very common. Fried onions are a common addition to many meat dishes throughout the country.

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

Green is the heartiest variety; it takes well to all cooking methods. Red can turn a funny blue color when cooked, so it's best used raw. If you do want to cook it, add a touch of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to lessen the effect. Savoy can be used in any recipe that calls for green cabbage.

Why do you put baking soda in cabbage? ›

Baking soda does help green vegetables retain color, but it causes undesirable color changes in red cabbage—it turned blue. The science can be distilled to this: Adding baking soda to cooking water makes it slightly alkaline, which stabilizes the green color of chlorophyll.

What takes the gas out of cabbage? ›

To reduce the likelihood of experiencing gas after eating cabbage, consider cooking it thoroughly. This can help break down the fibers and make it easier to digest. Additionally, try adding caraway seeds or fennel seeds to your cabbage dishes, as these spices are known to help reduce gas.

Why is my braised cabbage bitter? ›

After a while, however, the released mustard oils definitely become more noticeable and unpleasant. That is the main reason for the bitterness. Cabbage being an excellent source of fibre, vitamin C should not be avoided because of its bitterness.

How do you cook cabbage Jamie Oliver? ›

Whatever cabbage you are using, cut off the dry end of the stalk. If using Hispi, quarter the cabbage lengthways through its core. If using a regular white cabbage, cut it into manageable wedges, again through the core. Steam for about 10 minutes until it looks rather relaxed and easy to cut through.

What to eat braised cabbage with? ›

This braised cabbage dish tastes great with anything meaty! Some ideas include: Instant Pot Beef Stew, Instant Pot Magic Pork, Ollie's Cracklin' Chicken, and the Perfect Steak. I also love to eat leftover cabbage with a couple of crispy fried eggs for breakfast.

Can you overcook cabbage? ›

The key to cooking cabbage: Don't overcook it.

Cabbage is sweet and aromatic when cooked correctly. But the same sulfuric compounds that provide many of its health benefits can turn saboteur when overcooked, creating a pungent, unpleasant smell.

Can you eat cooked cabbage after 5 days? ›

Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. If the cabbage is part of mixed dish like cabbage rolls, store covered in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Freeze fresh or cooked cabbage in airtight containers or freezer bags for 10-12 months.

How long does braised cabbage last in the fridge? ›

Recipe Tips

This braised red cabbage recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply defrost and reheat in the microwave when you need it.

What do Germans call sauerkraut? ›

Sauerkraut is the German language equivalent of “sour cabbage.” In reality though, it can mean different things to different people. To busy home chefs, sauerkraut, or fermented cabbage, is a fast, easy way to liven up their families' favorite meals.

What is a German cabbage like vegetable? ›

What is Kohlrabi? Looking something like a Sputnik in vegetable form, with a squat bulb and antennae-like shoots, kohlrabi is part of the cabbage family. The name translates from German as 'turnip cabbage' and the mild, sweet flavour is somewhere between a turnip and a water chestnut, with a crisp, crunchy texture.

What is German for cabbage turnip? ›

Kohlrabi (German: [koːlˈʁaːbi]; pronounced /koʊlˈrɑːbi/ in English; scientific name Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group), also called German turnip or turnip cabbage, is a biennial vegetable, a low, stout cultivar of wild cabbage.

What is the foreign name of cabbage? ›

The plant Brassica oleracea belongs to the genus Brassica and the family Brassicaceae (mustard family). Other varieties of this species include brussel sprouts, broccoli and kohlrabi, all of which have their origins in wild cabbage.

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