
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsSchweinshaxe is a beloved Bavarian specialty featuring a slow-roasted pork knuckle with incredibly crispy crackling skin and tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone. The dish is traditionally accompanied by sweet and sour red cabbage braised with apples and caraway seeds, plus pillowy soft potato dumplings that soak up all the delicious juices. This meal represents the heart of German comfort food, combining rich flavors with satisfying textures. The preparation involves marinating the pork, slow roasting to achieve that signature crackling, while the cabbage braises gently with warming spices. The potato dumplings are made from a combination of cooked and raw potatoes, creating the perfect fluffy yet slightly sticky texture. This dish is ideal for cold weather dining and brings authentic German beer hall atmosphere to your home table.
Instructions
step by stepRinse the pork knuckle under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern using a sharp knife, being careful not to cut into the meat.
Rub the pork knuckle all over with salt, black pepper, caraway seeds, and minced garlic. Place in a roasting pan and refrigerate uncovered for 2-3 hours or overnight to dry out the skin.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour 2 cups of water into the bottom of the roasting pan, place the pork knuckle on a rack above the water, and cover tightly with foil.
Roast for 2 hours, then remove foil and increase temperature to 425°F (220°C). Continue roasting for 30-40 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy.
While the pork roasts, prepare the red cabbage: Heat butter in a large pot, add sliced onions and cook until softened. Add shredded red cabbage, sliced apples, vinegar, brown sugar, bay leaves, and caraway seeds. Season with salt and pepper.
Add 1/2 cup water to the cabbage, cover and simmer on low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Adjust seasoning with more vinegar or sugar to taste.
For the potato dumplings: Boil half the potatoes until tender, then drain and mash while hot. Peel and grate the remaining raw potatoes, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
Combine mashed and grated potatoes in a bowl with flour, egg, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Shape into 8 round dumplings.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle simmer. Carefully add dumplings and cook for 15-20 minutes until they float to the surface and are cooked through.
Remove pork knuckle from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve sliced pork with crispy skin, red cabbage, and potato dumplings on the side.
Schweinshaxe with Red Cabbage and Potato Dumplings
Bavarian roasted pork knuckle with crispy skin, served alongside tangy braised red cabbage and fluffy potato dumplings. This hearty German classic is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 1500 grams Pork Chops, whole pork knuckle with skin on
- 2 teaspoons Salt, for seasoning pork
- 1 teaspoons Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoons Caraway, whole seeds
Red Cabbage
- 4 cups Cabbage, red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 pieces Apple, peeled and sliced
- 1 pieces Onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons Vinegar Apple Cider
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 pieces Bay Leaves
Potato Dumplings
- 6 pieces Potatoes, medium sized, divided
- 3/4 cups Flour, all-purpose
- 1 pieces Eggs, beaten
- 1/4 teaspoons Nutmeg, freshly grated
Chef Tips
expert adviceVariations & Substitutions
make it your ownStorage & Reheating
keeping it freshStore leftover pork, cabbage, and dumplings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The red cabbage will continue to develop flavor and can be stored for up to 5 days. Potato dumplings are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for 2 days.
Reheat pork knuckle in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and skin re-crisps. Reheat red cabbage in a covered pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For dumplings, slice them and pan-fry in butter until golden, or steam gently for 5-7 minutes until heated through.