Rotkohl (Sweet and Sour Braised Cabbage)

Celticevergreen's Note:

Traditionally served at Christmas Eve dinner in Germany and Austria, this non-traditional recipe (bacon instead of rendered fat) can be served with any meat or poultry dish.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 45 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 8 3/4 cup ...

• 4 slices smoked bacon , chopped
• 2 cups onions , thinly vertically sliced
• 3 cups granny smith apples , chopped and peeled
• 10 cups red cabbage , thinly sliced
• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 bay leaf

Directions:

1. Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 1 tbsp drippings in pan. Set bacon aside.
2. Add onions to drippings in pan and saute 3 minutes. Add apple to pan, saute 2 minutes. Add cabbage to pan and saute 2 minutes.
3. Add cider and remaining ingredients to pan and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Discard cloves and bay leaf. Sprinkle with bacon and serve.