July is finally here and summer is in full swing! I'm a new graduate, newlywed, and have moved to a new city. As I prepared for all of these fun-filled life changes I wanted to prepare myself for marriage. One way I did this was to spend time with my future mother-in-law in order to learn all of her delicious German food recipes. My husband absolutely loves his mothers cooking (as do I) and although he always says whatever I cook is wonderful (which is the sweetest lie he will probably ever tell me) I know how much it would make him feel loved if I learned to cook some signature dishes his mother makes. Jutta, my mother-in-law was actually born and raised in Germany and Isaac, my husband, spent a lot of time growing up there so their German food is not only delicious, but authentic. Although they make lots of different German dishes I have chosen one that I would like to share with you.

7.6.TW 

Blaukraut is the perfect healthy side dish to add to any meal.

Here's how you make it:

Take 1 large head of purple cabbage wash thoroughly and chop into very thin pieces. Take 1 onion and cut into thin pieces as well and saute the cabbage and onion together. Add 1 tsp. of sugar (you can use cane sugar, or honey if you want to be healthier) and 1 tsp. of salt. Then pour in a little vinegar. (You can add as much or as little as you'd like, this makes the cabbage very flavorful and helps the cabbage to keep its color) Chop and dice 1 small apple and add into the pan. The last ingredient to add is a few bay-leaves. Let all the ingredients simmer until everything becomes soft. However, texture is a personal preference, you can taste your side dish as it cooks and when you feel that it is to your liking then it's done!

What's so great about this healthy side dish?

Well, for starters it has a unique flavor. I don't know if you are like me, but I get tired of the typical mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. The vinegar gives this healthy side dish a unique flavor that complements any entree.

Another reason I love this dish is that it is affordable!  Purple-cabbage is inexpensive, I believe the last time I made this dish I paid $1.50 for my head of cabbage, add that with an apple and onion, which are also inexpensive items you can make a large amount for a very little price. This makes it a great option for pot-luck events where you are asked to bring a dish, or if you are entertaining a lot people for a dinner party.

Another benefit of this mouth-watering healthy side dish and probably my favorite thing about it is that IT'S HEALTHY!!! What woman doesn't love food that not only tastes good, but is good for you? Purple-cabbage contains lots of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, C, K, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Purple-cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber. All the other ingredients in this side dish are also healthy, only excluding the 1 tsp. of sugar, however, there are other healthy alternatives to that, OR just cut it out altogether. If you choose to do this then I suggest using a sweeter apple (pink lady, honeycrisp, red delicious) to add a sweet flavor to your dish.

I'm so glad I learned how to make this simple German recipe.  Blaukraut not only will it make Isaac feel loved when we are married, but it is an easy, tasty, affordable, and a healthy dish to enhance any meal-time experience!

 

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