Mary Berry’s Delicious Red Cabbage Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your side dish game, then Mary Berry’s Red Cabbage recipe is an absolute must-try. Whether it’s a festive feast or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish brings a burst of sweet and tangy flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Picture tender red cabbage mingling with sweet apples, tangy cranberry sauce, and subtle leeks, all coming together in a symphony of deliciousness.

Mary Berry’s approach to cooking is all about creating dishes that are not only scrumptious but also practical. The slow cooking process ensures that every bite of this red cabbage dish is a delightful experience. The hint of vinegar, the richness of butter, and a pinch of sugar if you fancy, all play their part in making this side dish a standout on your table.

So, slice that cabbage thinly, let it cook down slowly, and watch as the magic unfolds. The next time you whip up Mary Berry’s Red Cabbage, make a little extra because it tastes even better the next day. Trust me, this recipe will soon become a family favorite, just like it did for mine.

Quick Benefits

• Balances sweet and tangy flavors perfectly
• Cabbage becomes incredibly tender with layers of flavor
• Improves in taste when made ahead and reheated
• Freezes well for up to 3 months

Why You’ll Love This Mary Berry’s Delicious Red Cabbage Recipe Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that come together beautifully
• Tender red cabbage with melt-in-your-mouth apples and tangy cranberry sauce
• Delicate leeks add a subtle onion flavor to complement the dish
• The addition of vinegar and butter elevates the simple ingredients to a rich and comforting side dish
• Layers of flavor in every bite make it a crowd-pleaser, even for those who aren’t fans of cabbage
• Can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day, making it a convenient dish for busy days or holiday meals
• Freezes well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy it anytime with minimal effort
• Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, creating a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing

Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Delicious Red Cabbage Recipe

• 450g cooking apples, peeled and chopped.
• 1 medium leek, finely sliced.
• 1 large red cabbage (about 1kg/2lb 3oz).
• Salt and black pepper to taste.
• 50g butter.
• 5 tablespoons cranberry sauce.
• 2 tablespoons wine vinegar or cider vinegar.
• Pinch of sugar (optional).

Pro Tips for Mary Berry’s Delicious Red Cabbage Recipe

For the best results with Mary Berry’s red cabbage recipe, slice the cabbage thinly to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture. Use cooking apples as they will melt into a wonderful sweetness when cooked with the cabbage. Don’t skip the cranberry sauce; it adds a delightful fruity note that complements the dish beautifully. When cooking the cabbage, make sure to use a large enough pan and stir regularly to help all the flavors meld together.

To enhance the flavors even more, consider adding a pinch of sugar if needed to balance the tartness of the cabbage. This dish can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day, so feel free to prepare it a day or two before serving. If you have leftovers, the red cabbage freezes well for up to three months. Simply defrost it completely before reheating, and enjoy the delicious flavors all over again.

How to Make Mary Berry’s Delicious Red Cabbage Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Preheat oven to 150°C (130°C fan) or 300°F.

Step 2: Step 02

Discard outer cabbage leaves and core.

Step 3: Step 03

Thinly slice the cabbage.

Step 4: Step 04

Arrange cabbage, leek, apples, and cranberry sauce in an ovenproof pan in layers.

Step 5: Step 05

Sprinkle each layer with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Step 06

Drizzle vinegar over the layers.

Step 7: Step 07

Place small pieces of butter evenly over the top.

Step 8: Step 08

Cover the pot and bring to a boil on the stovetop.

Step 9: Step 09

Transfer to oven and bake for 2-2½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 10: Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding sugar if necessary.

Storage Tips

After preparing Mary Berry’s red cabbage, you can store the finished dish in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply transfer the cooled cabbage into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat it again, you can reheat it in the oven with a bit of butter to keep it moist and flavorful, just as Mary Berry suggests.

If you want to enjoy this dish at a later time, you can freeze it for up to three months. Ensure the cabbage is completely defrosted before reheating to maintain its texture and flavors. Freezing the red cabbage allows you to have a delicious side dish ready to serve whenever you need it without compromising its taste or quality. The slow cooking process not only enhances the flavors but also helps the cabbage become tender, making it perfect for storing and reheating for future meals.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have a red cabbage on hand, you can substitute it with green cabbage for a slightly different flavor profile. Green cabbage tends to be a bit milder than red cabbage but will still work well with the other ingredients in this recipe. Just be aware that the color of the dish will be different.

If you’re out of cooking apples, you can use any sweet apple variety you have available, such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. These apples will still provide the desired sweetness and soft texture when cooked down. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar if needed based on the sweetness of the apples you use.

In place of cranberry sauce, you can use red currant jelly or pomegranate molasses for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. These substitutes will still give that fruity note to the dish and complement the other ingredients well. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these alternatives may vary slightly in sweetness and tanginess compared to cranberry sauce.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try using Mary Berry’s red cabbage as a flavorful filling for savory hand pies or turnovers. Pair the sweet and tangy cabbage mixture with some diced roasted turkey or ham for a delicious portable meal or appetizer. The buttery pastry crust will complement the rich flavors of the cabbage filling perfectly, making it a great option for parties or picnics.

Another idea is to serve Mary Berry’s red cabbage as a side dish with a twist by incorporating it into a hearty grain bowl. Start with a base of cooked quinoa or brown rice, then top it with a generous portion of the red cabbage mixture. Add some roasted vegetables, toasted nuts, and crumbled feta cheese for extra texture and flavor. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze or lemon tahini dressing to tie all the elements together for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

FAQs for Mary Berry’s Delicious Red Cabbage Recipe

Can I make this red cabbage dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish actually improves with flavor when made a day or two ahead and reheated.

Why does the recipe call for slow cooking the cabbage?

The slow cooking allows the cabbage to become tender and helps the flavors meld together perfectly.

Can I freeze the Mary Berry Red Cabbage?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Defrost completely before reheating.

What does the cranberry sauce add to the dish?

It adds sweetness and depth to balance the natural tartness of the cabbage.

Conclusion

As you savor the delightful flavors of Mary Berry Red Cabbage, I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine every holiday season. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in the way it elevates humble ingredients to create a truly memorable side dish. Whether you’re serving it alongside a festive roast or enjoying it on a cozy Sunday afternoon, the sweet and tangy notes will surely win over hearts and taste buds alike.

So, next time you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and delicious, remember Mary Berry’s Red Cabbage. Let its vibrant colors and harmonious flavors brighten up your meals and bring a touch of warmth to your gatherings. Embrace the art of slow cooking, savor the magic of simple ingredients, and create lasting memories around the dinner table with this classic recipe. Mary Berry Red Cabbage – a timeless favorite that never fails to impress!