Red Cabbage Castillian Style (Lombarda de Navidad)
Chef's Pencil Staff
In the old days, red cabbage could be found in the markets in late autumn, just before Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, making it a typical holiday dish: lombarda de Navidad. Red cabbage needs an acid ingredient—wine, citrus or vinegar—to keep its vibrant color while cooking. Adding sweet fruit such as raisins or prunes balances the acidity.
Begin preparing the cabbage by coring it and discarding the tough stem. Shred it finely and set aside.
Pour about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion for about 3 minutes until softened, then add in the cabbage and sauté it for about 1 minute.
Next, pour in the wine and stir to mix everything well.
Then throw in the apple, the prunes, water and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover the pan and simmer the cabbage. If you prefer a slightly crunchier texture leave it on for 20 minutes. If you like it tender double the time up to 40 minutes.