Cabbages are part of a large plant family known as Brassicas. The family includes broccoli, cauliflower, rutabaga, mustard and all of the cabbage family, including regular green cabbage, Chinese cabbage, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, Savoy cabbage, and of course purple cabbage. The whole Brassica family is packed with nutrients and is extremely healthy. In this post, we’re going to learn how to cook purple cabbage and take a look at some of my favorite recipes using it.
What is Purple Cabbage?
Purple cabbage is a relatively large variety of cabbage, with one head usually weighing 2-3 lb. The color of the cabbage leaves varies, according to the type of soil it is grown it. In acidic soils, it tends towards a reddish color; in neutral soils, it is a darker purple. If the soil is alkaline, the leaf color fades towards green. Because of this variation, purple cabbage is also known as red cabbage and even sometimes in German as Blaukraut – blue cabbage. But they are all the same thing.
When cooking, or even just mixed with water, the leaves will turn an eerie shade of blue, unless you add acid to the preparation. It’s still perfectly safe to eat, but some people find the blue color off-putting. That’s why most of the recipes below use vinegar or another acid in the ingredients.
Health Profile
Red cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, offering several health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and anthocyanins, which are a type of anti-oxidant linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and potential cancer-fighting properties. Additionally, its high fiber content supports digestive health and can aid in weight management.
Anthocyanins are the compound responsible for giving purple cabbage its distinctive color. It’s the same substance found in many colorful and healthy plants. Blueberries, cranberries, and purple grapes all owe their hue to anthocyanins.
How to Cook Purple Cabbage
The most common method is simply to shred it and braise in a hot pan with a little liquid in the bottom, until the cabbage is wilted. Even within that basic method, there is still a lot of scope for variation, as you’ll see below. Another common preparation is to use it raw, in salads and coleslaws. Let’s dive right in to some of my favorite recipes using purple cabbage.
1. German Red Cabbage
An ultra-traditional German recipe for braised red cabbage. This is frequently served during the winter months in eastern and northern Europe, and is a standard side dish at Christmas.
Recipe by: Tastes Better From Scratch
2. Red Cabbage Salad with Apple, Orange and Spinach
Raw purple cabbage provides a vibrant pop of color and some welcome crunch in my winter salad. Spinach, oranges and apples mean that you’re really eating the rainbow!
Recipe by: Yummy Addiction
3. Roasted Red Cabbage
I love more unusual recipes! This one cuts the purple cabbage into wedges and roasts them in a honey dressing. It mellows the “cabbaginess” of the flavor, and brings out a nuttiness. Just delicious.
Recipe by: Last Ingredient
4. Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage with Apples
A twist on the braised cabbage classic, this recipe throws apples into the mix and used apple cider vinegar as the acid to retain that beautiful color. I’ve found this one to be a real favorite with kids.
Recipe by: Supper Sanity
5. Red Cabbage Sauerkraut
Yes, you can make sauerkraut with purple cabbage as well. Lactic acid bacteria release acid into the mix during fermentation to keep that beautiful color true. And it keeps for a long time.
Recipe by: Vancouver with Love
6. Red Cabbage Soup
I love a good soup in cold weather and this one’s a winter winner. Chunky and hearty with a beautiful color and sour-sweet flavor, it’s also full of other veggies as well, giving you plenty of vitamins to stave off a winter cold.
Recipe by: Grilled Cheese Social
7. Indian Red Cabbage Sambharo
A delicious side dish, the recipe starts with tempering mustard seeds and fresh green chilis in hot oil. Purple cabbage is added at the end, and sautéed quickly, so it still retains some crunch.
Recipe by: J Cooking Odyssey
8. Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
The purple cabbage is an important addition to the yummy coleslaw in my crunchy chicken burgers. Use a mixture of colors for the most vibrant result.
Recipe by: Yummy Addiction
9. Name
Yet another braised red cabbage twist, this recipe throws in warming winter spices and a hefty glug of red wine, for a result that feels too luxuriant to be as healthy as it is!
Recipe by: Another Food Blogger
10. Red Cabbage Salad
The simplicity of the recipe belies how delicious it is! Just purple cabbage, red onions, and seasoning, with a little vinegar to keep it all sharp.
Recipe by: The Life Jolie
11. Purple Cabbage Slaw
Adding curly kale and carrots to a classic red cabbage slaw, this recipe boosts the Brassica nutrient factor even more. Deliciously satisfying, and even more so when you realise how healthy it is.
Recipe by: Healthy (ish) Appetite
12. Braised Red Cabbage and Fennel
Halfway between a braise and a slaw, the vegetables in this recipe still have a lot of crunch to them. It goes particularly well with pork dishes.
Recipe by: Jam Jar Kitchen
13. Sausages with Red Cabbage
A budget-friendly crowd-pleaser, particularly where children are concerned. It’s a great way to sneak extra veggies into their supper with no complaints!
Recipe by: The Annoyed Thyroid
14. Thai Chickpea Red Cabbage Salad
A really unusual vegan salad, with a distinctive spicy peanut sauce. Chickpeas and plenty of fresh vegetables make this dish filling, brightly hued and delicious.
Recipe by: Ambitious Kitchen
15. Purple Cabbage and Green Pea Stir Fry
Flavored with ginger, turmeric, chili, and curry leaves, as well as the bright green peas, this side dish has a ton of health-giving properties. Plus the colors are beautiful as well.
Recipe by: Maayeka
Conclusion
Hopefully I’ve inspired you to buy one of these vibrant vegetables and start experimenting! Now you know how to cook purple cabbage, what’s stopping you? Whether used raw in a summer salad or braised for a traditional German Christmas dinner, it’s an incredibly tasty way to get your nutrients in. Let me know in the comments what your favorite red cabbage recipe is.
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