Mulled Cider Braised Cabbage with Apples

Braised cabbage finds a cozy American twist when simmered in mulled cider with sweet Honeycrisp apples. Bacon and a touch of caraway deepen the savory-sweet pot, perfect for National Food Day comfort.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 50 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 245 cal
• 7g protein
• 28g carbs
• 13g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1.5 cups mulled cider
• 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp whole grain mustard

Instructions

1. 1Place a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the pieces turn crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. 2Add the butter to the bacon drippings. Once melted, stir in the sliced onion and cook until softened and lightly golden at the edges, about 5 minutes.
3. 3Add the sliced cabbage in batches if needed, tossing with tongs so it wilts slightly and fits in the pot. Season with salt, pepper, caraway seeds, and thyme.
4. 4Nestle the apple slices among the cabbage. Pour in the mulled cider and apple cider vinegar, then sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top.
5. 5Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and braise for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the cabbage is tender but still has a little bite.
6. 6Uncover, stir in the whole grain mustard, and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes so the liquid reduces into a light, glossy sauce that clings to the cabbage and apples.
7. 7Taste and adjust salt or vinegar if you want brighter acidity. Fold the reserved crisp bacon back in just before serving so it stays crunchy.
8. 8Spoon into a warm serving bowl and finish with an extra grind of pepper. Serve immediately as a cozy side while the mulled cider perfume is still rising.