This Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon recipe is a comforting, savory dish that perfectly combines the earthy flavor of cabbage with the sweetness of sautéed onions and the salty crunch of bacon. It’s a simple, down-home recipe that makes a great side dish for any meal or can even be enjoyed on its own. With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together quickly and is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped: The star of the dish, cabbage is a versatile vegetable that absorbs the flavors of the bacon and seasonings beautifully.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed, complementing the cabbage and bacon.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- 5 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled: Bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor and crispy texture, making the dish extra delicious.
- Reserved bacon grease: The bacon grease is used to sauté the onions and cabbage, infusing them with even more flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor, adding a subtle depth to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a hint of garlic flavor that blends well with the minced garlic for a more rounded taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bacon:
- Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon strips and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve the bacon grease in the skillet for cooking the vegetables.
2. Sauté the Onion:
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The onion should start to caramelize slightly, adding sweetness to the dish.
3. Add the Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onion. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
4. Cook the Cabbage:
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together so that the cabbage is well-coated with the bacon grease and combined with the onions and garlic.
5. Season the Cabbage:
- Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the cabbage. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Continue to cook the cabbage, stirring occasionally, until it softens and begins to brown slightly around the edges. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on how tender you like your cabbage.
6. Add the Bacon:
- Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, add the crumbled bacon back into the skillet. Stir everything together so that the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the cabbage and onions.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the fried cabbage with onions and bacon to a serving dish. This dish can be enjoyed immediately as a side dish or even as a main course.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cabbage while it’s cooking.
- Add Vinegar: For a tangy twist, drizzle a bit of apple cider vinegar over the cabbage before serving. The acidity pairs well with the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the onions.
- Make It a Meal: Turn this side dish into a main course by adding slices of smoked sausage or chunks of cooked chicken for added protein.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take on this dish, you can skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter for sautéing. Add a handful of toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a bit of crunch.
Fried Cabbage with Onions and Bacon is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal at home. The combination of tender cabbage, sweet onions, and crispy bacon is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. This dish is not only easy to make but also budget-friendly, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious side dish for a special occasion. Whether you’re a cabbage lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
