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Berry Red Cabbage

Featured in Healthy Eating.

We made Mary Berry's red cabbage with apples for Christmas dinner, and it was an instant hit! Slowly cooked till soft and sweet, with beautiful vibrant colors on the plate. Even my cabbage-hating brother came back for seconds. Made extra for leftovers, and the flavors got even better the next day. Great alongside just about anything. Love how the sweetness and tanginess blend perfectly.
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Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:48:19 GMT
A serving bowl filled with soft red cabbage cooked with pink radishes, topped with herbs and next to a fork. Pin it
A serving bowl filled with soft red cabbage cooked with pink radishes, topped with herbs and next to a fork. | tasteofmoms.com

British Chef's Traditional Red Cabbage Dish

I whip up this wonderful red cabbage creation from the famous British cook every holiday. The mix of soft red cabbage, juicy apples, zesty cranberry sauce and gentle leeks works magic together. A bit of vinegar and some creamy butter turns basic items into the coziest side you'll ever taste.

Why This Cooking Technique Shines

The thing I really dig about this method is how it perfectly mixes sweet with tangy tastes. You end up with super soft cabbage and every mouthful gives you different flavor notes. It's typical of her down-to-earth yet tasty cooking style that makes it fit right in with holiday feasts or weekend family meals.

Your Grocery Needs

  • Red cabbage: Cut it really thin for even cooking.
  • Cooking apples: They soften into sweet goodness.
  • Cranberry sauce: Brings that nice fruity kick.
  • Leek: Adds a mild oniony taste.
  • White or red wine vinegar: Just enough sharpness to balance things.
  • Butter: Adds richness and shine.
  • Salt and pepper: Add to your liking.
  • Sugar (optional): A tiny bit might be needed.
A hand stirs simmering purple cabbage with a wooden spoon in a stainless steel bowl. Pin it
A hand stirs simmering purple cabbage with a wooden spoon in a stainless steel bowl. | tasteofmoms.com

Cooking Steps Together

Fire Up Your Oven
Warm it to 150°C/130°C fan as she recommends for that gentle cooking.
Prep Time
Slice your cabbage thinly peel and dice those apples and cut up your leek.
Create Your Layers
Stack everything in your cooking pot with cranberry sauce between the layers add salt and pepper then pour vinegar and drop butter on the top.
Begin on Stovetop
Let everything bubble up first so the butter can melt throughout.
Move to Oven
Let it slowly cook for around 2 hours and stir it every so often.
Last Steps
Sample it and tweak seasonings until it's just right.

Smart Cooking Tips

Don't rush when cutting that cabbage thin slices make the texture just right. Go for a bigger pan than you think you'll need since cabbage needs space as it cooks. And don't forget to stir now and then it really helps the flavors mix together nicely.

Storage Advice

This dish stays good in your fridge for up to three days or you can freeze it for three months max. When you want to eat it again just warm it in the oven with a little butter for that fresh-made taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yep! It actually tastes better if you make it a day or two early and warm it up before serving.

→ Why does it need to cook so long?

Cooking it slow and low makes the cabbage super tender and blends the flavors perfectly.

→ Can I freeze leftover cabbage?

Sure, it'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it completely before reheating.

→ What does the cranberry sauce do?

It gives a nice balance of sweetness and richness to balance out the tart cabbage flavor.

→ Can this be made on the stovetop?

Yep, just set it on low heat and stir now and then for about 2 hours.

Berry Red Cabbage

Mary Berry's version of red cabbage—sweetened with apples, tangy with cranberries, and slow-cooked with leeks for a festive touch.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
120 Minutes
Total Time
150 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: British

Yield: 6 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 big red cabbage, about 1kg (2lb 3oz).
02 450g of peeled and diced cooking apples.
03 5 tablespoons of cranberry jelly.
04 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar or wine vinegar.
05 50g of butter.
06 1 leek, sliced into thin strips.
07 Optional: a tiny bit of sugar.
08 Salt and a sprinkle of black pepper, adjusted to your liking.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 150°C (130°C if using fan) or 300°F.

Step 02

Take off the outer leaves and cut out the core of the cabbage.

Step 03

Shred the cabbage thinly into strips.

Step 04

In an ovenproof dish, layer the cabbage, apples, cranberry jelly, and leek.

Step 05

Sprinkle salt and pepper on every layer.

Step 06

Drizzle the vinegar evenly across the layers.

Step 07

Dot small pieces of butter on top.

Step 08

Cover the dish and start by bringing it to a boil on the hob.

Step 09

Put the dish into the oven and cook for 2 to 2½ hours. Stir it from time to time.

Step 10

Taste it, adjust the seasoning, and add sugar if you want a bit more sweetness.

Notes

  1. Try to slice the cabbage into really fine strips.
  2. Pick a pan big enough for the ingredients to puff up while cooking.
  3. Give it a stir every half an hour.
  4. Don’t skip the vinegar, it makes a big difference in flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Ovenproof pan with lid, big enough for the dish.
  • A sharp knife for chopping.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 2 g