Red Cabbage with Apple and Bacon

Two very similar versions of this recipe exist: one in Denmark and one in Landes, in southwest France. In both cases, it is served with grilled or roast pork or sausages.
Ingredients
- 1 small red cabbage
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 Tbsp mustard seed
- 1 tsp sage
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp nutmeg, grated
- 1 orange zest (opt.)
- 3 apples
- ½ cup red wine
- ¼ wine vinegar or cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey (opt.)
Method
-
1
Clean cabbage. Slice the cabbage into 3-inch strips.
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2
Slice the bacon into 1-inch squares.
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3
Put a thick-bottomed pot on medium heat. Add bacon and sauté a few minutes until they render their fat. Add mustard seeds. When they begin to sizzle, add cabbage strips, sage, bay leaves, salt, pepper, nutmeg and orange zest. Stir well.
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4
Grate apples and add to the pot. Add wine, vinegar and maple syrup; incorporate. Reduce heat to low after about 5 minutes. Let steam in the pot until vegetables are tender, 20-30 minutes.
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5
Let stand a few more minutes before serving.
A variation of the Sweet Potatoes Steamed in Duck Fat from The Spice Trekkers Cook at Home