Blaukraut (German Red Cabbage)

I modified and veganized this recipe for Blaukraut (German red cabbage), and  am very happy with it. It can be modified, depending on how "sour/acidic" or sweet you want it to be.

Ingredients:

1 red cabbage (around 3 - 3.5 pounds)

4 tbsp brown sugar, divided

1/2 cup orange juice

4 bay leaves

7 juniper berries (optional)

1/2 - 1 tsp nutmeg

1 tbsp black pepper corns

4 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

1 1/2 cup dry red wine, divided

3 tbsp vinegar (preferably red wine vinegar)

2 tsp salt

2 tbsp vegan margarina, such as "Earth Balance"

1/2 medium red onion, very finely chopped

1/2 apple, peeled and very finely chopped

4 tbsp black currant jam

salt and pepper to taste

Marinade:

Slowly caramelize 3 tbsp of the brown sugar in a pan, then add orange juice and cook for a minute or two. Add 1 1/4 cup of the wine, the bay leaves, juniper berries, nutmeg, peppercorns, cloves and cinnamon stick, bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes. Let cool to room temperature and add the vinegar. Pour through a fine colander into a bowl. Finely cut red cabbage (cut in half, remove outer leaver, cut out stem, then thinly slice lengthwise). Wear gloves and wash utensils quickly to avoid discoloring. Put cabbage in a bowl, pour in the marinade, massage for 5 minutes. Put cabbage and marinade in a large freezer bag, press out air, close and marinade in the refrigerator for 2 days, turning it over every 12 hours.

Above: After first putting it in the refrigerator

Below: After marinading for 2 days

Put cabbage in a colander and press down firmly, collecting marinade in a bowl.

Heat margarine in a pan and briefly sautée. Add 1 tbsp brown sugar and 1/4 cup wine. Simmer until the apple has turned a dark red.

Add cabbage and heat slowly while stirring frequently and adding spoonfuls of the marinade. Simmer for about 35 minutes, then add the black currant jam and cook for another 10 - 15 minutes, until it has reached the desired consistency. You can add more wine, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth to adjust the taste.

German red cabbage is best served with dumplings! Enjoy!