Mary Berry Spiced Red Cabbage Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your meals, Mary Berry’s spiced red cabbage recipe is a must-try!

This dish combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and warm spices that complement any roast or festive spread. It’s easy to make, yet it’s packed with depth and richness, making it the perfect side dish for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Plus, Mary Berry’s trusted approach ensures you’re getting a recipe that’s both simple to follow and absolutely delicious. So, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to try something new, this spiced red cabbage is sure to be a hit!

Mary Berry Spiced Red Cabbage Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage, you’ll need a blend of ingredients that create a vibrant, aromatic, and perfectly balanced dish. Red cabbage itself serves as the key ingredient, with its striking color and earthy flavor. Here is a list of everything you’ll need to bring this delightful recipe to life:

• Red cabbage (around 1 medium-sized head): The star of the show, red cabbage is tender when cooked, with a mild, sweet flavor that takes on a wonderful depth with the addition of spices and braising liquid.
• Apple (1 medium, peeled, cored, and finely chopped): Apples bring a sweet and fruity contrast to the slightly earthy cabbage. A variety like Granny Smith or Bramley is ideal, adding a tartness that balances the dish beautifully.
• Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): A finely chopped onion adds a savory base and depth to the spiced cabbage, helping to build the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): The butter adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables, ensuring they’re evenly coated in flavor.
• Red wine vinegar (3 tablespoons): This tangy vinegar is crucial in adding acidity, which cuts through the sweetness of the cabbage and apples. It also helps tenderize the cabbage during cooking.
• Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): A touch of brown sugar balances the tartness of the vinegar and apples, giving the dish a subtle sweetness that’s essential for rounding out the flavor.
• Cinnamon stick (1): The warm, aromatic cinnamon stick infuses the cabbage with a comforting spiciness that defines the dish’s flavor profile.
• Ground allspice (½ teaspoon): Allspice brings a gentle warmth and depth to the dish with hints of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg, adding complexity to the overall flavor.
• Cloves (3-4 whole): Whole cloves provide a sharp, aromatic spice that complements the sweet and tangy elements in the dish, giving it an extra layer of warmth.
• Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings are necessary to bring out the flavors of the ingredients and ensure a balanced and well-seasoned dish.

These ingredients are straightforward yet come together to create a dish that’s far from simple. The mix of spices, acidity, and sweetness will transform the humble red cabbage into something memorable.

Equipment Needed

While the ingredient list for Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage may seem basic, the equipment required ensures the dish is cooked to perfection. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven: You’ll need a sizable pan with a lid to properly cook the cabbage. A Dutch oven is perfect for this recipe, as it provides even heat distribution and retains moisture during cooking.
• Sharp knife: For chopping the cabbage, apple, and onion, a sharp knife is essential to ensure clean cuts and even pieces.
• Chopping board: A sturdy chopping board makes the prep work much easier and keeps everything tidy.
• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the cabbage mixture. It helps prevent any scratching or damaging of the pan, especially if you’re using a non-stick surface.
• Measuring spoons: To measure out the spices, sugar, and vinegar accurately, a set of measuring spoons is essential.
• Lid for the pan: A lid helps trap the moisture and ensures the cabbage cooks evenly, allowing it to braise in its own juices, which is key for a tender, flavorful result.

With just these basic pieces of kitchen equipment, you’ll be able to prepare Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage in no time.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage

The process of making Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage is straightforward but requires a bit of patience to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step:

1. Prep the vegetables: Start by slicing the red cabbage into thin strips. It’s best to cut the cabbage in half first, remove the tough core, and then shred the cabbage into uniform pieces. Peel, core, and chop the apple into small cubes, and finely chop the onion.

2. Cook the onion and apples: In your large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and apple. Sauté them gently for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onions become translucent. This creates a flavorful base for the cabbage.

3. Add the cabbage: Next, add the shredded red cabbage to the pan. Stir well to combine it with the onions and apples. Allow the cabbage to cook down a little bit, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the spices and seasonings: Sprinkle in the ground allspice, and drop in the cinnamon stick and cloves. Add the brown sugar, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to mix everything evenly.

5. Simmer and braise: Once all the ingredients are combined, cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let the cabbage simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should become tender and take on a lovely deep color. You may need to add a splash of water if the cabbage begins to stick to the pan, but be sure not to add too much liquid.

6. Adjust seasoning and serve: After the cabbage has fully cooked and softened, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves before serving.

What you’ll end up with is a beautiful, aromatic, and slightly tangy dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s perfect as a side dish for rich meats like roast pork, turkey, or beef, and can even stand alone as a vegetarian option.

Expert Tips

• Allow time for the cabbage to cook down: Red cabbage takes a while to soften and fully absorb the flavors. Don’t rush this step; the longer you allow it to simmer, the more flavorful and tender it will become. A slow braise is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Balance the sweetness and acidity: If you find the cabbage too tangy from the vinegar, you can add a bit more brown sugar to balance it out. Conversely, if it’s too sweet, a little extra vinegar can bring it back into harmony.

• Use a heavy-bottomed pan: A thick-bottomed pan helps distribute heat evenly and prevents any burning or uneven cooking. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a heavy skillet will also work well.

• Customize the spices: If you prefer a less intense spice profile, you can reduce the number of cloves or cinnamon sticks, or omit one entirely. You can also experiment with other spices like star anise or nutmeg for a unique twist.

• Rest the dish before serving: Like many stews or braised dishes, spiced red cabbage benefits from sitting for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to continue melding and intensifies the overall taste.

Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage is a timeless and elegant side dish that brings together the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spiced elements. With its vibrant color, tender texture, and comforting depth of flavor, it’s a dish that pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main courses.

The combination of red cabbage, apples, vinegar, and warm spices creates a harmonious profile that’s both familiar and refreshing, making it ideal for everything from festive holiday dinners to weeknight meals. By following the simple steps outlined above and keeping a few expert tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s both delicious and memorable.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage

Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage is a fantastic dish that’s both vibrant and flavorful, offering a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy elements. However, like any classic recipe, it can easily be adapted and personalized. Here are some easy variations to consider that will elevate this dish and give it a unique twist.

1. Adding Fruits For Extra Sweetness

   A common variation of Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage is to introduce different fruits into the mix. While the original recipe calls for apples, you can experiment with other fruits such as pears or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.

   Adding pears lends a soft, juicy texture that complements the cabbage’s crunch, while raisins or cranberries introduce a delightful pop of sweetness. For a more exotic twist, consider adding a small handful of pomegranate seeds just before serving for an added burst of color and tartness.

2. Infusing With Different Spices

   The core spices in Mary Berry’s recipe, such as cinnamon and cloves, are warm and comforting, but you can make the dish your own by incorporating additional spices. Try adding star anise for a deeper, slightly licorice-like flavor, or a pinch of allspice for a more aromatic profile. Ground ginger or even a dash of chili flakes can bring some warmth to the dish, balancing out the sweet elements with a gentle heat.

3. Adding Red Wine Or Vinegar Variations

   While the recipe traditionally calls for red wine vinegar, you can switch this up depending on the flavor profile you’re aiming for. Balsamic vinegar provides a richer, more complex tang, while white wine vinegar offers a sharper, cleaner acidity.

   Alternatively, if you enjoy the depth that alcohol adds to a dish, you can substitute some of the vinegar with red wine, giving the cabbage a fuller, more robust flavor. A splash of port wine could also lend a more luxurious sweetness.

4. Incorporating Different Vegetables

   If you want to add more variety to the dish, consider mixing in other vegetables. Root vegetables like carrots or parsnips can be diced and added for extra texture and earthiness.

   Alternatively, finely sliced onions or leeks can give the dish more depth. The addition of sautéed onions will infuse the cabbage with extra sweetness and flavor, while parsnips or carrots offer a gentle, natural sweetness.

5. Adding Nuts For Crunch

   To add a crunchy texture contrast to the soft cabbage, try sprinkling some toasted nuts on top just before serving. Walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds work beautifully, adding both texture and a slight nuttiness that balances out the sweetness from the cabbage. If you want a slightly savory note, sesame seeds are also a great choice and will lend a nutty, aromatic flavor.

6. Make It Vegan-Friendly

   While the classic version of Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage may include butter, it’s easy to make it vegan by swapping the butter for olive oil or coconut oil. This simple swap doesn’t sacrifice the depth of flavor, and it caters to those with dietary preferences or restrictions. Additionally, substituting the sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar can help make it more plant-based.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Leftover spiced red cabbage can be just as delicious when stored properly, ensuring you get the most out of your culinary efforts. Here are some best practices for storing leftovers:

1. Cool The Cabbage First

   It’s important to let the cabbage cool down to room temperature before storing it. Putting hot food directly into the fridge can raise the temperature inside the fridge, which could lead to the growth of bacteria. Cooling it down also helps retain its texture and prevents it from becoming too soggy.

2. Airtight Containers For Maximum Freshness

   Once cooled, transfer your leftover spiced red cabbage into airtight containers. This will help lock in moisture and preserve its freshness. Be sure to use containers that are well-sealed to prevent any odors from the cabbage from mingling with other items in the fridge.

3. Storage Duration

   Spiced red cabbage will generally keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often develop even more after a day or two, so the dish may taste even better the next time you reheat it.

   If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that freezing can affect the texture of the cabbage, making it slightly softer once thawed.

4. Reheating Tips

   When reheating spiced red cabbage, be sure to heat it slowly over low to medium heat to preserve its delicate flavors. You can do this in a saucepan or in the microwave. If it seems a little dry after storing, adding a splash of water or vinegar while reheating can help restore some moisture and flavor.

5. Avoid Storing With Meat

   If you paired your spiced red cabbage with meats or other proteins, avoid storing the cabbage with them in the same container. The cabbage’s acidity can alter the texture and flavor of the meat, and it may also reduce the shelf life of the leftovers.

What Goes Well With Spiced Red Cabbage

Spiced red cabbage is a versatile and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Its tangy sweetness and rich, aromatic spices can complement many proteins, grains, and sides. Here are some perfect pairing options:

1. Roast Meats

   Spiced red cabbage is the perfect accompaniment to rich, roasted meats. Whether it’s a hearty roast pork, beef, lamb, or even duck, the cabbage’s sweetness and acidity act as a perfect contrast to the savory flavors of the meat. The cabbage also balances out the richness, making it an ideal side for heavier dishes.

2. Grilled Sausages

   One of the most popular pairings with spiced red cabbage is sausages, particularly grilled or pan-fried varieties. The savory, slightly greasy sausages contrast beautifully with the tangy cabbage, and the two combine for a satisfying, hearty meal. You can also pair it with vegetarian sausages if you prefer a plant-based option.

3. Roasted Potatoes Or Mash

   Spiced red cabbage pairs wonderfully with starchy sides like roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even creamy dauphinoise potatoes. The richness of the potatoes balances the acidity of the cabbage, creating a delicious harmony of flavors on the plate. For extra indulgence, top your mashed potatoes with a dollop of butter or cream.

4. Grilled Fish

   The lightness of grilled fish, such as salmon or trout, is another excellent pairing. The subtle flavors of the fish, combined with the cabbage’s bold spicing, create a balanced meal that’s fresh yet hearty. The dish can be lightened further by serving the fish with a side of roasted vegetables or quinoa.

5. Vegetarian Options

   For a vegetarian or vegan option, spiced red cabbage goes well with dishes like roasted butternut squash, vegetable stir-fries, or lentil stews. The richness of the vegetables complements the cabbage’s spiciness, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal. If you want to add some protein to the mix, serve the cabbage alongside a quinoa salad or chickpea patties.

6. Bread And Cheese

   For a simpler meal, serve spiced red cabbage with crusty bread and cheese. A sharp cheddar, brie, or goat cheese can provide a contrast to the spiced cabbage. If you prefer a more rustic dish, a hearty rye bread or sourdough can help soak up the juices from the cabbage.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage is a timeless side dish that’s not only full of flavor but also highly adaptable to personal preferences and various dietary needs. With the ability to incorporate different fruits, spices, and vegetables, this dish can be tailored to suit any meal or occasion.

Whether you serve it alongside roast meats, grilled sausages, or vegetarian mains, it’s bound to be a hit. Additionally, following best practices for storing and reheating leftovers ensures that the flavors continue to delight long after the initial meal. With its rich, tangy flavor and ability to pair well with numerous main courses, spiced red cabbage remains a versatile and beloved dish in any culinary repertoire.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage Recipe?

To make Mary Berry’s spiced red cabbage, you’ll need red cabbage, apples (preferably Bramley or cooking apples), onion, cinnamon, cloves, vinegar, sugar, and butter. You can also use salt and pepper to season it.

How Do I Prepare The Cabbage For Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage Recipe?

Start by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage, then cut it in half and remove the core. Slice the cabbage thinly into shreds or ribbons. You can also use a food processor for quicker results.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the spiced red cabbage ahead of time. After cooking, allow it to cool completely, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage?

The cooking time for Mary Berry’s spiced red cabbage is around 45 minutes to 1 hour. The cabbage should become tender and well-infused with the spices and flavors.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage Without Sugar?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce or omit the sugar. The recipe will still have plenty of flavor from the vinegar and spices, but it will be less sweet and tangy.

What Is The Best Vinegar To Use For Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage Recipe?

Mary Berry’s spiced red cabbage recipe typically uses red wine vinegar, which adds a tangy depth of flavor. However, you can also use apple cider vinegar as a substitute for a slightly fruitier taste.

Can I Add Other Vegetables To Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage?

While the recipe focuses on cabbage, you can experiment by adding other root vegetables, such as carrots or parsnips, for added texture and sweetness. Just be sure to chop them finely to ensure even cooking.

How Do I Store Leftover Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage?

Leftover spiced red cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I Use A Slow Cooker For Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage?

Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s spiced red cabbage in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the cabbage is tender.

What Should I Serve With Mary Berry’s Spiced Red Cabbage?

Mary Berry’s spiced red cabbage pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like pork, goose, or turkey. It’s also great as a side dish with sausages, mashed potatoes, or even alongside a vegetarian meal.