Remove stem and outer leaves, discard. Slice or shred head of cabbage and put into a bowl.
Whisk together all other ingredients (except garlic) in a saucepan over medium high heat until it reaches a continuous boil. Stir, once sugar dissolves remove from heat and pour on cabbage. Add whole garlic cloves (optional)
Cover top of bowl or pot tightly and sit for 1.5 hours, half way thru use tongs to rotate leaves so all of it is nicely coated.