Rødkål

Name: Rødkål
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Danish
Ingredients: 1 large red cabbage, finely shredded; 2 apples, peeled and diced; 50g sugar; 50ml red wine vinegar; 50g butter or plant butter; 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly; 1 cinnamon stick; 3 cloves; Salt and pepper

Rødkål (RUHD-kawl)

Danish Red Cabbage

⏱ Prep Time 1 hour

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 132 kcal

Sweet-sour braised red cabbage slow-cooked with apple, vinegar, sugar, and warm spices — the jewel-toned staple of every Danish holiday table.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 2.0g

Carbs 22.0g

Fat 4.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large heavy pot sharp knife cutting board

Presentation Guide

Vessel: serving bowl

Garnishes: none

Accompaniments: roast beef, brunede kartofler, gravy

Ingredients

1 large red cabbage, finely shredded
2 apples, peeled and diced
50g sugar
50ml red wine vinegar
50g butter or plant butter
2 tbsp redcurrant jelly
1 cinnamon stick
3 cloves
Salt and pepper

Instructions

1
Melt butter in a large pot. Add shredded cabbage and stir to coat.
2
Add diced apples, sugar, vinegar, redcurrant jelly, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
3
Cover and cook on low heat for 45-60 min, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is very tender.
4
Remove cinnamon stick and cloves. Season with salt, pepper, and additional vinegar or sugar to taste.
5
The flavour improves overnight — make a day ahead if possible.

💡

Did You Know?

Danish families guard their rødkål recipes fiercely — the ratio of sweet to sour is a deeply personal matter.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large heavy pot
sharp knife
cutting board

Garnishing

none

Accompaniments

roast beef, brunede kartofler, gravy

The Story Behind Rødkål

Red cabbage braised with vinegar and sugar became a Danish staple in the 18th century. It is inseparable from the Christmas table, where it sits alongside roast meats, brunede kartofler, and gravy. Every household has a subtly different recipe passed down through generations.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed christmas and holiday dinners 📜 Origins: 18th century

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