𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐁𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐄 (𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐍, 𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐂)

Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 2 pounds), chopped
• 6 slices of bacon, thick-cut, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and smoky flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by prepping your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Cut the cabbage into bite-sized chunks, about 1-2 inches in size. Set aside in a large bowl. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic. Cut the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces as well.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, add the chopped bacon. Turn the heat to medium and cook the bacon slowly, allowing it to render out its fat. Stir occasionally so that the bacon pieces cook evenly and become crispy. This should take around 7-8 minutes. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion
With the bacon fat still in the skillet, add the diced onion. Stir the onions around to coat them in the fat, then cook over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let the onions burn; adjust the heat if necessary.

Step 4: Add Garlic
Once the onion is softened, stir in the minced garlic. Garlic can burn quickly, so cook it for just about 30-45 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. This short cook time allows the garlic to release its aroma without turning bitter.

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage
Now, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first – cabbage wilts down significantly as it cooks. Stir the cabbage to coat it with the bacon fat, onion, and garlic mixture. Allow the cabbage to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll notice the cabbage softening and taking on a slightly caramelized appearance around the edges.

Step 6: Season the Cabbage
Once the cabbage has softened, season it with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the paprika if using, which will add a smoky depth to the dish, as well as red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Stir the seasonings into the cabbage to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 7: Reintroduce the Bacon
Return the crispy bacon pieces to the skillet, stirring them into the cabbage mixture. At this point, you can also add a tablespoon of butter for an extra touch of richness, though this is optional. The heat from the skillet will melt the butter, which adds a creamy finish to the dish.

Step 8: Add Vinegar (Optional)
For a touch of acidity, consider adding a splash (about 1 tablespoon) of apple cider vinegar to the cabbage. The vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that balances out the rich bacon and cabbage flavors, creating a more complex dish. Stir to combine, and allow the vinegar to cook off for a minute or two.

Step 9: Final Taste and Adjustments
Taste the cabbage mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might find that the bacon has added enough salt, but feel free to add more if necessary. Adjust the pepper level and the amount of vinegar to your preference. If you like more spice, you can always add extra red pepper flakes at this stage.

Step 10: Serve
Once everything is well-cooked and seasoned to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the fried cabbage hot, garnished with extra crispy bacon pieces if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with almost any protein, such as roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled sausages.

Tips and Variations:

1. Bacon Substitutes: You can substitute bacon with other smoked meats like ham, pancetta, or even smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
2. Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil or butter. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to retain some of the smoky depth.
3. Cooking Time: For a crunchier texture, cook the cabbage for less time (around 8 minutes). For a softer, more caramelized dish, let it cook for closer to 15 minutes.
4. Add-Ins: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even diced potatoes to bulk up the dish. A touch of fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, can also brighten the flavor.
5. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with cornbread, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. It also works as a filling for sandwiches or wraps!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 550mg

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful fried cabbage, perfect for a hearty side dish or even a main course when served with your favorite sides!