Ingredients:

• Bacon: 6 slices, chopped
• Green Cabbage: 1 medium head, cored and chopped
• Onion: 1 large, sliced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Butter: 1-2 tbsp (optional, for extra richness)
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ tsp (optional, for a kick)
• Fresh Parsley: chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop the Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves, core, and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Bacon: Chop the bacon slices into small pieces, making sure they’re ready to cook quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Heat a Large Skillet: Use a deep skillet or cast-iron pan, which allows plenty of room for the cabbage.
2. Sauté the Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Add the sliced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Optional: Add 1-2 tablespoons of butter at this stage if you want a richer flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage

1. Add the Cabbage to the Skillet: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with the onions and garlic, tossing to coat it evenly in the bacon fat.
2. Season: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the cabbage. Stir to combine the spices with the vegetables.
3. Cover and Sauté: Cover the skillet and let the cabbage cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften and caramelize. Cook for another 5-10 minutes uncovered, allowing the cabbage to brown slightly and release a sweet, nutty flavor.

Step 5: Add the Bacon and Finish

1. Return Bacon to the Pan: Once the cabbage is tender and lightly browned, return the crispy bacon to the skillet, tossing it through the cabbage.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the sautéed cabbage for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Serve hot as a side dish, pairing well with grilled or roasted meats, or even on its own for a hearty vegetable dish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~180
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 6g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use another type of cabbage?
A: Absolutely! Savoy or Napa cabbage can work just as well in this recipe, though they may cook slightly faster. Red cabbage can also be used, but it will give the dish a different color and a mildly different flavor.

Q: What can I substitute for bacon?
A: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute bacon with a plant-based bacon alternative or simply use butter and olive oil to sauté the cabbage. You may want to add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of smokiness.

Q: How do I know when the cabbage is cooked?
A: The cabbage should be tender but not mushy, with a light caramelization. You can cook it to your preferred texture, but it generally takes about 15-20 minutes for it to soften and develop its full flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Southern Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon:

1. Choose Fresh Cabbage: Fresh cabbage will yield a more tender and flavorful dish. Check for a firm head with crisp, green leaves.
2. Control the Heat: Cook the cabbage over medium heat to prevent it from burning while allowing it to caramelize gradually. If it’s browning too quickly, reduce the heat and cover the skillet to trap moisture.
3. Add Butter for Richness: While optional, adding a bit of butter enhances the flavor and gives the dish a rich, creamy texture. It’s especially tasty if serving with hearty main dishes.
4. Serve with Fresh Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the bacon and butter.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Freezing: Although fresh cabbage is best, this dish can be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm it in a skillet on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion:

Southern Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon is a delightful combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious and comforting side dish. The smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and hints of garlic and onion make it savory and satisfying. Whether served alongside a hearty main course or enjoyed on its own, this dish brings Southern comfort food to any meal. Easy to make and versatile, it’s a fantastic way to elevate cabbage into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish.