English Christmas Cabbage Food

CHRISTMAS RED CABBAGE

Steps:

• Peel off the outer leaves of the cabbage, then cut into quarters and slice out the core. Use a sharp knife or the slicing attachment of a food processor to thinly slice the cabbage.
• Heat the butter in a large saucepan, then tip in the onions and gently fry until softened, about 5 mins. Add the orange zest to the pan along with the cinnamon stick, then cook for 1 min more. Add the shredded cabbage, then pour over the port, red wine vinegar, orange juice and 150ml water. Bring up to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan and cook for 45 mins-1 hr until the cabbage is softened.

NORWEGIAN CHRISTMAS CABBAGE

Steps:

• Lay two slices of bacon across the bottom of a large pot. Cover with a layer of cabbage. Sprinkle a light dusting of flour and a pinch of caraway seed. Season with a little salt and pepper. Repeat layering as many times as possible until you run out of room.
• Fill the pot with enough water to come about 3/4 up the side. Bring to a boil, and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the cabbage is soft, stirring occasionally. Let cool slightly, then stir in the vinegar and sugar. Use your own judgment. Add sugar carefully to taste. The idea is to strike a balance between the sweet and the sour, and therein lies the trick.

ENGLISH CHRISTMAS CABBAGE

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain; crumble.
• Add beef broth, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper to bacon drippings in Dutch oven.
• Cook over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and misture comes to a boil.
• Add cabbage and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.
• Transfer to a serving bowl; sprinkle bacon over cabbage and serve hot.

FESTIVE RED CABBAGE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish, add the onions and cook on a medium heat for 8-10 mins, then add the star anise and cinnamon stick.
• Pour in the wine and let it simmer until slightly reduced. Add the cabbage, sugar and apples, and stir well. Season well, cover and simmer on a low heat for 3 hrs, stirring every now and again.
• Once the cabbage is tender, check the seasoning. Serve in a bowl with the star anise and cinnamon stick on top. Can be made 1-2 days in advance or frozen for up to 4 months - simply reheat on the hob before serving.