Mary Berry Red Cabbage and Apple Recipe

Mary Berry Red Cabbage and Apple is a warm, vibrant, and gently sweetened side dish that brings colour and comfort to any meal. The tender cabbage pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of apples, creating a balance of flavours that suits roast dinners, festive feasts, or cosy autumn meals. This dish cooks slowly, allowing the flavours to meld together, producing a soft, aromatic, and beautifully seasoned vegetable side that enhances any main course.

What Is Mary Berry’s Red Cabbage and Apple?

Mary Berry Red Cabbage and Apple is a braised vegetable side dish where finely sliced red cabbage is simmered with apples, vinegar, spices, and a touch of sugar until tender and flavourful.

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Colourful on the table – Adds brightness to winter or roast dinners.
• Perfect balance of sweet and tangy – Apples and vinegar complement each other.
• Slow-cooked softness – Creates a melt-in-the-mouth finish.
• Great make-ahead side – Flavours deepen as it rests.
• Versatile pairing – Works with meats, poultry, or vegetarian mains.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Red Cabbage and Apple

• 1 medium red cabbage, finely shredded – Base of the dish with vibrant colour.
• 2 large apples, peeled and sliced – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced – Gives depth and savoury balance.
• 25g butter – Helps soften and flavour the vegetables.
• 3 tablespoons vinegar (red wine or apple cider) – Adds pleasant acidity.
• 2 tablespoons soft brown sugar – Balances sharpness and enhances caramel notes.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or mixed spice – Warm spice notes that complement apple.
• Salt and pepper – Essential finishing seasoning.
• Optional handful of raisins – Brings extra sweetness and texture.

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large heavy-based pot or casserole dish – Ensures even heat for slow cooking.
• Sharp knife – For cleanly slicing the cabbage.
• Cutting board – Provides stability during preparation.
• Wooden spoon – Helps stir ingredients gently.
• Lid – Necessary for proper braising.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Red Cabbage and Apple

Step 1 — Prepare the vegetables

Thinly slice the cabbage, apples, and onion so they cook evenly and soften beautifully.

Step 2 — Melt the butter

Warm the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it becomes smooth and slightly foamy.

Step 3 — Layer the ingredients

Add cabbage, apples, onions, vinegar, sugar, spices, salt, and pepper. Mix gently so everything is coated.

Step 4 — Begin the braising process

Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5 — Adjust seasoning

Taste the cabbage and add more sugar or vinegar, depending on how sweet or tangy you prefer it.

Step 6 — Serve warm

Once soft and glossy, dish up alongside roasts or hearty meals.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Cabbage too firm – Extending the cooking time solved this easily.
• Dish too sharp – A spoonful of extra sugar balanced the acidity.
• Too dry during cooking – Adding a splash of water or stock kept it moist.
• Uneven cooking – Slicing everything finely ensured consistent results.

Healthier Version of This Red Cabbage and Apple

• Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
• Reduce the sugar or use honey instead.
• Add extra apples to sweeten naturally.
• Use reduced-sodium stock to soften without extra fat.
• Include carrots for natural sweetness and nutrients.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Red Cabbage and Apple

• Swap apples with pears for a different sweetness.
• Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a subtle caramel note.
• Use balsamic vinegar for a richer flavour.
• Add bay leaves or cloves for festive warmth.
• Replace butter with vegan margarine for a dairy-free.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Red Cabbage and Apple

• Roast pork – A classic combination that enhances flavour.
• Roast chicken – Brings balance to savoury dishes.
• Beef brisket – Adds brightness to rich cuts.
• Mashed potatoes – Compliments the softness and sweetness.
• Vegetarian nut roast – A festive pairing with texture and depth.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Red Cabbage and Apple

• Slice everything thinly so it cooks evenly and softens properly.
• Maintain low heat to avoid burning or drying.
• Taste as you go to adjust sweetness and tang.
• Use a heavy pan for steady, gentle cooking.
• Add raisins for pockets of sweetness.
• Finish with butter for a glossy texture.
• Make ahead because flavours improve over time.

Creative Ways to Customise This Dish

• Add cranberries for festive tartness.
• Mix in walnuts for crunch.
• Use orange zest to brighten the dish.
• Add red wine for a deeper flavour.
• Stir in mustard for a subtle punch.

Storing Mary Berry Red Cabbage and Apple the Right Way

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Keep in airtight containers to maintain moisture.
• Reheat gently to preserve the soft texture.
• Store separately from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavour transfer.

How to Reheat Red Cabbage and Apple (If Needed)

Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it looks dry. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~120
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Fibre: 4g
• Sugar: 12g

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FAQs

How do I keep red cabbage from turning mushy while cooking?

Slice the cabbage thinly, but avoid over-stirring during cooking. Keeping the heat low and simmering gently helps the cabbage soften without breaking down completely.

Why is my red cabbage turning blue while cooking?

Red cabbage changes colour when the acidity is too low. Adding vinegar or a squeeze of lemon at the beginning helps preserve its bright purple colour throughout the cooking process.

How do I stop the dish from being too sharp or sour?

Balance is key. If the vinegar flavour becomes too strong, stir in a little extra brown sugar or add another sliced apple to bring natural sweetness back into the dish.

Can I prepare red cabbage and apple ahead of time?

Yes, this dish tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stovetop to let the flavours blend and deepen.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry’s Red Cabbage and Apple is a colourful, comforting, and gently sweetened side dish that works beautifully with many meals. With its slow-cooked softness and balanced flavours, it adds charm to both festive spreads and everyday dinners.