Growing up, my mom would make this amazing braised cabbage dish that always filled our home with the most incredible aroma. The sweet caramelized onions, the tender cabbage, and that irresistible hint of apple – it was pure comfort in a bowl. As soon as I took that first bite, I was transported right back to my childhood. Apple Cream Braised Cabbage has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember, and now it’s one of my go-to recipes too.
Table of Contents
Why This Apple Cream Braised Cabbage Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Apple Cream Braised Cabbage
This Apple Cream Braised Cabbage is truly a unique and delicious dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The secret lies in the perfect balance of flavors – the sweetness of the apples, the creaminess of the sauce, and the heartiness of the cabbage. This recipe makes exactly 6 servings, with each portion being a satisfying 1 cup.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Apple Cream Braised Cabbage, you’ll need:
- 1 medium head green cabbage, sliced into 1-inch strips
- 3 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Apple Cream Braised Cabbage Instructions
Preparing Your Apple Cream Braised Cabbage
This recipe takes 45 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven for this dish.
1- Start by shredding the cabbage and chopping the apples and onion. Mince the garlic as well.
2- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
3- Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4- Add the shredded cabbage and chopped apples to the skillet. Season with the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
5- Once the cabbage is cooked through, pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 more minutes to thicken up the sauce.
6- Remove from heat and serve your delicious Apple Cream Braised Cabbage immediately, garnished with a little extra thyme if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Apple Cream Braised Cabbage turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Use a crisp, tart apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage – you want it to be tender but still have a bit of bite.
- If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken up.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste – add a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.
Serving and Storing Your Apple Cream Braised Cabbage
Perfect Pairings for Apple Cream Braised Cabbage
This Apple Cream Braised Cabbage makes a wonderfully comforting and satisfying 6-serving meal. Each 1 cup portion is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. For beverages, a crisp white wine or a warm apple cider would be the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Apple Cream Braised Cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
This dish also freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Apple Cream Braised Cabbage
Creative Apple Cream Braised Cabbage Variations
While the classic Apple Cream Braised Cabbage is absolutely delicious, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Try adding chopped bacon or sausage for a heartier meal. For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk. You can also experiment with different apple varieties or add a touch of apple cider vinegar for a bit of tang.
Making Apple Cream Braised Cabbage Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. To make it vegan, replace the heavy cream with a plant-based milk alternative and use olive oil instead of butter. For a low-carb option, serve the Apple Cream Braised Cabbage over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice or pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, you can experiment with other varieties. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may require adjusting the seasoning to balance the flavors.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 6 servings, with each serving being 1 cup.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Apple Cream Braised Cabbage is a great make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the dish as directed, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: My cabbage seems a bit tough. What can I do?
A: If the cabbage is not tender enough, try simmering it for a few more minutes. You can also try adding a splash of water or broth to the pan to help the cabbage steam and soften up.
Apple Cream Braised Cabbage
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delectable Apple Cream Braised Cabbage recipe. A perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, this one-pot dish features tender cabbage, caramelized apples, and a rich, velvety cream sauce.
Ingredients
– 1 medium head green cabbage, sliced into 1-inch strips
– 3 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. 2. Add the sliced cabbage and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften.
3. 3. Add the sliced apples and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, until the apples are slightly caramelized.
4. 4. Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth, and stir to combine.
5. 5. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
6. 6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cabbage and apples braise for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is very tender.
7. 7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. 8. Serve the Apple Cream Braised Cabbage hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a heartier meal, consider serving this dish with crusty bread or over a bed of mashed potatoes. The recipe can also be made ahead and reheated, as the flavors will only improve over time.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Vegetarian & Vegan Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Apple Cream Braised Cabbage is a true comfort food masterpiece that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its perfect balance of flavors and the ideal combination of sweet, savory, and creamy, this dish is a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the same joy I feel when I take that first delicious bite. Don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments below!
