Bratwurst with German Braised Purple Cabbage (Rotkohl)

A cozy, traditional German-style meal featuring juicy grilled bratwurst served with warm, sweet-and-tangy braised purple cabbage. This cabbage style is the classic preparation — gently simmered with vinegar, onion, a little sugar, and apple for beautiful balance and color.

Yield

Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Bratwurst

• 4–6 bratwurst sausages

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

• ¼ cup water or beer (optional, for steaming)

For the German Braised Purple Cabbage (Rotkohl)

• ½ head purple cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 1 apple, peeled & grated (or finely chopped)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp sugar (or 2 tbsp honey)

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (traditional)

• ½ cup water

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

• Optional: 1 bay leaf, 1–2 cloves, or a pinch of caraway seeds (authentic flavor touches)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

In a large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add sliced onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Cabbage & Apple

Stir in the sliced purple cabbage and grated apple.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften.

Step 3: Braise

Add sugar, vinegar, water, salt, and pepper.
Stir well, cover, and reduce heat to low.
Simmer for 25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and glossy.

Taste and adjust:

• More vinegar for tang

• More sugar for sweetness

• More salt to balance

Step 4: Cook the Bratwurst

Heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil or butter.
Add bratwursts and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes.

Add ¼ cup water or beer, cover, and steam for 5 minutes until cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the bratwurst with a generous scoop of warm braised purple cabbage and mustard on the side.

Kitchen Tips

• Braised cabbage tastes even better the next day — reheats beautifully.
• Add a splash of red wine for a deeper flavor.
• Use beer instead of water to steam bratwurst for a more authentic German taste.
• If you want the cabbage sweeter, add a spoonful of jam (German grandmas often use red currant jelly).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories 430, Protein 17g, Fat 32g, Carbohydrates 20g, Fiber 3g, Sugars 13g, Sodium 980mg