Rotkohl

Rotkohl is a traditional salad and side dish made from red cabbage that is finely shredded and then braised or slow-cooked with ingredients like apples, onions, vinegar, sugar, and various spices such as cloves, bay leaves, and sometimes juniper berries.

The dish is known for its sweet and sour flavor, which comes from the combination of sugar and vinegar, and its deep purple color, which can be enhanced by adding a bit of acidic liquid like apple cider vinegar or red wine during cooking. Rotkohl is often served as a side dish, particularly with hearty German meals such as roast pork, sausages, duck, or goose.

It's especially popular in the colder months and is a common accompaniment to festive meals during Christmas.