Dice the onion in a small dice (or you can slice, if you prefer), shred the cabbage relatively finely and peel and grate the apple.
Warm the oil or butter in a pan and add the onion. Cook for a couple minutes until it softens. Add the cabbage, part at a time as needed to help it wilt down a little to create more space, and cook for a couple minutes so it starts to soften, stirring now and then to coat with the butter/oil.
Add the vinegar, cloves and orange juice and mix. Add the apple and mix in well then cover. Reduce the heat and allow it to steam/sweat for around 30 minutes until tender, stirring now and then to make sure it doesn't burn on the bottom. If it gets too dry, add a little water or extra juice.
Remove the cloves, if using whole cloves, and serve.