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Apple Cabbage Stew

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The cauldron bubbles and steams, filling the tavern with the rich, spiced aroma of a dish fit for adventurers and nobles alike—Apple Cabbage Stew. A time-honored recipe from the heart of Skyrim, this stew blends the sweetness of crisp apples with the earthiness of tender cabbage, all simmered together in a hearty broth that warms the soul. With each ladleful, you’ll taste the flavors of the land, from the bountiful orchards of the Rift to the humble homesteads of Whiterun. So, take your seat by the fire, let your worries melt away, and savor a meal that will keep you strong for the journey ahead.

This image features a prepared bowl of comforting cabbage and apple soup on a wooden cutting board. The soup has a vibrant yellow-green hue, indicating a broth infused with sautéed cabbage and apples. A fresh sprig of thyme garnishes the dish, enhancing visual appeal and aroma. Beside the bowl are a fresh apple, a small glass of fresh thyme sprigs, and a wooden spoon, emphasizing natural, wholesome cooking.

This is a great recipe year round, but especially to keep warm! It's a winter favorite!

This was inspired by my Gut Healthy Vegetable Broth recipe.

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Ingredients

*See recipe card for quantities*

  • butter or ghee
  • garlic cloves
  • leek thinly sliced, white parts only
  • green cabbage chopped thin
  • dried or fresh thyme
  • apples diced
  • bone broth
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Let the crafting commence!

In this preparation-focused image, I am actively chopping a head of cabbage on a wooden cutting board. The cabbage is cut into thin slices, suitable for even cooking and a pleasing texture in the soup.
  1. Chop your leek, cabbage, and apples.
Here, cabbage is being sautéed gently in a skillet placed on a stove. The cabbage pieces have begun to wilt slightly and turn translucent, becoming tender and flavorful. A wooden spoon stirs the cabbage, evenly distributing heat and allowing for proper cooking without browning excessively.
  1. Add chopped leeks and garlic to buttered pan. Cook for a few minutes until leeks become soft. Then add cabbage and cook for 10 minutes.
This image shows apples diced into small, uniform chunks cooking alongside the previously sautéed cabbage. The pan contains a simmering broth that combines diced apples and cabbage, seasoned with visible fresh herbs such as thyme. The mixture appears moist and flavorful, with apple pieces just beginning to soften in the bubbling broth.
  1. Add thyme, broth, and apples into the mixture and cook for about 15 minutes until the apples are softened.
An overhead shot captures the simmering mixture of cabbage, diced apples, broth, and fresh thyme in the pan. The dish is in its final cooking stage, with apples and cabbage fully integrated in a fragrant, golden broth. A wooden spoon gently stirs the ingredients, highlighting the harmonious blend of textures and flavors developing as the soup finishes cooking.
  1. Garnish with thyme, salt and pepper to taste! Enjoy your apple cabbage stew!

Substitutions

  • Broth - if you want to adjust your broth, chicken stock will go well with this too!

Equipment

  • 1 Chopping Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Large Stovetop Pan
  • 1 Wooden Spatula
This image features a prepared bowl of comforting cabbage and apple soup on a wooden cutting board. The soup has a vibrant yellow-green hue, indicating a broth infused with sautéed cabbage and apples. A fresh sprig of thyme garnishes the dish, enhancing visual appeal and aroma. Beside the bowl are a fresh apple, a small glass of fresh thyme sprigs, and a wooden spoon, emphasizing natural, wholesome cooking.
Print Recipe

Apple Cabbage Stew Recipe Card

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: apple, cabbage, elder scrolls, soup, stew

Equipment

  • 1 Chopping Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Large Stovetop Pan
  • 1 Wooden Spatula

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 leek thinly sliced, white parts only
  • ½ head green cabbage chopped thin
  • 1 tsp dried or fresh thyme
  • 1½ large apples diced
  • 3 cups bone broth
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Start by chopping and dicing your leek, cabbage, and apples!
  • Next, melt your butter or ghee in your stovetop pan. Then add chopped leeks and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until leeks become soft. Then add cabbage and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Next, add thyme, broth, and apples into the mixture and cook for about 15 minutes until the apples are softened.
  • Garnish with thyme, salt and pepper to taste!

Storage

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let the soup cool before refrigerating.

Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm on medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQ

How do I prevent the cabbage from getting too mushy?

Avoid overcooking. Cook just until tender, and if reheating, warm gently over low heat to maintain texture.

Why is my soup too thin?

Simmer it longer to reduce excess liquid, or blend a portion of the soup for a thicker consistency.

How can I enhance the flavor?

Sauté the cabbage longer for a deeper, caramelized flavor, or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra brightness.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]: