Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon

Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon

Introduction

Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon is a rustic, flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of cabbage with the savory, smoky notes of bacon.

This dish serves as a hearty side or can even stand on its own as a light meal. It’s simple to prepare, yet offers a rich depth of flavor that can complement a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

1 medium head of cabbage, chopped

6 strips of bacon, chopped

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients:

Prepare the cabbage: Wash the cabbage thoroughly, remove the core, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Dice the bacon and vegetables: Chop the bacon into small pieces. Peel and dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Cooking the Dish:

Cook the bacon: In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.

Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pan, add the diced onion to the bacon fat. Cook until the onion is translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the cabbage: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir to coat the cabbage in the fat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and begins to caramelize.

Season the dish: Add the cooked bacon back to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar if desired to add a slight tanginess and sweetness.

Cook until caramelized: Continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to fully caramelize.

Conclusion

This Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon is a delightfully simple dish that brings out the natural sweetness of cabbage with the richness of bacon.

It’s versatile and can be adapted with spices like paprika or a splash of vinegar to elevate the flavors further.

Serve it alongside roasted meats or enjoy it as a robust standalone dish.

With its combination of textures and tastes, it’s sure to be a comforting addition to any meal.