### Baked Red Cabbage with Apples: A Festive Main Dish Recipe
#### Introduction:
Looking for a delicious and colorful side dish that will add vibrant flavors to your holiday table? Try this Baked Red Cabbage with Apples main dish recipe! This hearty, sweet-savory combination is perfect for fall or winter celebrations. Here’s how you can prepare it step-by-step.
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#### Ingredients:
- 1 large red cabbage
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or dried if unavailable)
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the ingredients bake evenly, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
2. **Prepare Vegetables:**
- Cut the red cabbage into thin slices or quarters, depending on its size. Discard any tough outer leaves.
- Peel the apples and slice them thinly. You can also core them to remove the seeds if desired.
3. **Cooking the Cabbage:**
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced cabbage and sauté for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two, just until fragrant.
4. **Add Apples and Liquid:**
- Transfer the sautéed cabbage to a large baking dish. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Slice the apples and distribute them evenly on top of the cabbage.
5. **Prepare Glaze:**
- In a small bowl, mix together apple cider, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme leaves. Pour this mixture over the cabbage and apple slices in the baking dish.
6. **Baking:**
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. Check after 30 minutes; you may need to cover the dish with aluminum foil if it starts browning too quickly.
- The cabbage should be tender, and the apples caramelized by the end of the cooking time.
7. **Serve:**
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve this colorful and flavorful side dish hot alongside your main course.
#### Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add in some sliced onions or shredded carrots to the cabbage mixture.
- To make this recipe vegan-friendly, substitute olive oil with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats such as pork, turkey, or beef.
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By following these steps, you'll be able to create a beautiful and delicious Baked Red Cabbage with Apples that will impress your guests and add a delightful touch to any festive meal. Enjoy the cooking process and the flavors it brings!