Hearty Red Cabbage Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights
Red cabbage stew is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly evenings. This recipe is rich, hearty, and packed with vegetables and spices that fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma. It is easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and makes a wholesome meal for the whole family. Whether you are cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this stew will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 medium red cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step by Step Instructions for Red Cabbage Stew Recipe

Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop cabbage, cube potatoes, slice carrots, dice onion and bell pepper, and mince garlic. Prep all vegetables before cooking.
Saute the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Cook onion for 3 to 4 minutes, then add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Add Vegetables and Spices
Add carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and cabbage. Sprinkle in spices and salt, then stir to coat evenly.
Simmer the Stew
Add broth and tomatoes. Boil, then simmer covered 30 to 35 minutes until tender.
Finish with Vinegar and Sweetener
Once cooked, stir in apple cider vinegar and honey or maple syrup. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Garnish and Serve
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This stew pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or even a simple green salad.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
You can make this stew your own by adding your favorite vegetables such as parsnips, celery, or sweet potatoes. For a protein boost, add cooked beans or lentils. If you prefer a spicier version, sprinkle in some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a creamy texture, stir in a few tablespoons of coconut milk before serving.
Nutritional Information
This red cabbage stew is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. One serving provides approximately 180 calories, 5 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 8 grams of fiber. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants from the red cabbage, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Hearty red cabbage stew is perfect on its own for a light meal or paired with warm bread for dipping. It goes well with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a complete, balanced dinner. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Hearty Red Cabbage Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights
6
servings15
minutes40
minutes180
kcalThis hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with vegetables and spices, it makes a wholesome and comforting meal.
Ingredients
1 medium red cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt, adjust to taste
4 cups vegetable broth
1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Prep all vegetables: chop cabbage, cube potatoes, slice carrots, dice onion and bell pepper, mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion 3–4 min, add garlic 1 min.
- Add carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, and cabbage. Stir in spices and salt.
- Pour in broth and tomatoes. Bring to boil, then simmer covered 30–35 min until tender.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar and honey or maple syrup. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Add other vegetables like parsnips, celery, or sweet potatoes if desired.
- Boost protein with cooked beans or lentils.
- For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or cayenne.
- Stir in coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 4–5 days or freeze up to 2 months.