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Pickled Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This pickled sweet and sour red cabbage is a vibrant, versatile addition to any table. Slowly braised in the oven, the cabbage softens beautifully, absorbing the aromatic flavours of mixed spice, zesty orange, and tangy white wine vinegar. The addition of sliced cooking apples and plump sultanas provides a natural sweetness that balances the acidity, creating a sophisticated side dish that pairs perfectly with savoury mains or festive centrepieces.

As a naturally vegan dish, it is an excellent option for inclusive entertaining. While often served piping hot alongside a traditional roast, this cabbage is equally delicious served cold as a sharp, crunchy pickle. It can be prepared well in advance, as the flavours continue to develop and meld together over time, making it a stress-free choice for busy weekend cooking or holiday meal prep.

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Ingredients for Pickled Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage

  • 500g (450g 60g ) red cabbage (or 1 small head), core removed and leaves thinly sliced

  • 1 onion, thinly sliced

  • 50g (80ml ) sultanas (golden raisins)

  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons muscovado sugar or light brown sugar

  • 250g (250g) cooking apples (or 2 cooking apples), peeled, cored and sliced

  • 15g (1 tablespoon ) butter

  • 1/2 teaspoons ground mixed spice (allspice)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Grated rind and juice of 1 orange

How to make Pickled Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage

Preheat the oven to 150°C/149°C/gas mark 2.

Layer the cabbage, onion, sultanas, vinegar, sugar, apples, butter and mixed spice into a baking dish and season with the salt and some black pepper. Add the orange rind and juice.

Cover the dish with kitchen foil and bake for 2 1/2 hours, removing the foil for the last 20 minutes of cooking. Serve hot or cold.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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