Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic: A Delicious Comfort Food

Fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic is a dish that epitomizes comfort food. It combines the savory richness of bacon, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the robust flavor of garlic with the earthy taste of cabbage. This hearty dish is easy to prepare and can serve as a main course or a flavorful side. Let’s delve into the ingredients, the cooking process, and some tips and variations to make this dish even more delightful.

Ingredients

To make fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic, you will need the following ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large head cabbage, cored and sliced
• 1 tablespoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Cook the bacon: Place bacon in a large stockpot and cook over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic: Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion caramelizes, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in cabbage: Immediately stir in cabbage and continue to cook and stir another 10 minutes.
5. Season and simmer: Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes more.
6. Serve and enjoy!

The Ingredients: Flavorful and Nutritious

Bacon

Bacon is the foundation of this dish, providing a rich, smoky flavor that permeates the cabbage. Its fat renders out during cooking, creating a base that adds depth and savory notes to the entire dish. Chopping the bacon before cooking ensures even distribution throughout the cabbage.

Onion

The large diced onion adds a sweet, caramelized flavor that balances the smokiness of the bacon. As it cooks, the onion softens and its natural sugars develop, creating a delicious base for the cabbage.

Garlic

Garlic brings a robust and slightly spicy flavor to the dish. Minced garlic ensures it blends well with the other ingredients, infusing the cabbage with its aromatic essence.

Cabbage

Cabbage is the star of the show. When cooked, it becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the bacon, onion, and garlic. Cabbage is also incredibly nutritious, packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.

Seasonings

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Adjust to taste.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
• Onion powder and garlic powder: Intensify the flavors of fresh onion and garlic.
• Paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and color.

The Cooking Process: Simple and Satisfying

Step 1: Cooking the Bacon

Begin by placing the chopped bacon in a large stockpot. Cook it over medium-high heat until it becomes crispy, which takes about 10 minutes. The rendered bacon fat will provide a flavorful cooking medium for the onions and garlic.

Step 2: Adding Onion and Garlic

Once the bacon is crispy, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook and stir them together until the onion caramelizes, which takes another 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds the base flavor for the dish.

Step 3: Stirring in the Cabbage

Immediately stir in the sliced cabbage. Continue to cook and stir for about 10 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt and become tender. At this stage, the cabbage will begin to absorb the flavors from the bacon, onion, and garlic.

Step 4: Seasoning and Simmering

Season the mixture with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serving

Once the cabbage is tender and fully flavored, it’s ready to serve. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to complement a variety of main courses.

Tips and Variations

Tips for the Best Fried Cabbage

1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage, crisp bacon, and high-quality spices make a big difference in the flavor.
2. Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Start with the recommended amounts of salt and pepper, but feel free to adjust according to your preference.
3. Cook the Bacon First: Ensure the bacon is crispy before adding the onions and garlic. This step is crucial for developing the dish’s flavor.
4. Simmer Slowly: Allow the cabbage to simmer on low heat to fully absorb the flavors and become tender.

Variations to Try

1. Add Sausage: For a heartier meal, add sliced sausage to the pot when you add the cabbage. Kielbasa or smoked sausage work particularly well.
2. Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you add the onion and garlic.
3. Use Different Cabbages: Try using savoy or napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor.
4. Incorporate Apples: For a touch of sweetness, add thinly sliced apples when you add the cabbage. The sweetness pairs well with the smoky bacon and savory onions.

Conclusion

Fried cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic is a dish that brings comfort and warmth to the table. Its rich, savory flavors combined with the tender, slightly sweet cabbage make it a versatile and satisfying option for any meal. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The simplicity of its preparation and the depth of its flavors make it a standout dish that you’ll return to time and time again. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a plate of this delicious comfort food.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic: A Delicious Comfort Food

---

• Author: hdrecipes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a savory and flavorful side dish that combines tender cabbage with crispy bacon, aromatic onions, and garlic. This simple yet hearty dish is perfect for any meal and is especially popular in Southern cuisine.

---

Ingredients

6 slices bacon, chopped

 

1 large onion, diced

 

2 cloves garlic, minced

 

1 large head cabbage, cored and sliced

 

1 tablespoon salt, or to taste

 

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

 

½ teaspoon onion powder

 

½ teaspoon garlic powder

 

⅛ teaspoon paprika

---

Instructions

Gather all ingredients.

 

Place bacon in a large stockpot and cook over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes.

 

Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion caramelizes, about 10 minutes.

 

Immediately stir in cabbage and continue to cook and stir another 10 minutes.

 

Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes more.

 

Enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg