Description
This Bacon Braised Cabbage recipe offers a savory and comforting side dish featuring tender cabbage infused with rich bacon flavor and aromatic spices. The cabbage is slowly cooked in a skillet with butter and bacon until caramelized and lightly browned, creating a deliciously satisfying accompaniment for a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head cabbage (savoy preferred; white cabbage works well too)
Fats and Proteins
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup diced bacon
Seasonings and Liquids
- Salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon cumin (optional)
- ½ cup liquid (water, chicken broth, white wine, or blonde beer)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage, then cut the cabbage into quarters. Remove the tough stem and roughly dice the cabbage pieces. Wash thoroughly to remove any debris and drain well.
- Cook the Bacon: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it is browned and the fat is rendered.
- Add and Coat Cabbage: Add the prepared cabbage to the skillet and stir well to coat it in the butter and bacon fat. Increase the heat to medium-high to get the pan sizzling. Sprinkle salt and cumin (if using) over the cabbage, then deglaze the pan with your chosen liquid, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance flavor.
- Braise the Cabbage: Reduce the heat to medium and cook the cabbage for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the cabbage cooks, it should caramelize and brown lightly. Add more liquid as needed to prevent burning, but avoid adding too much to keep the cabbage flavorful and caramelized.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cabbage is tender and cooked through, adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Savoy cabbage is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, but white cabbage is a fine alternative.
- The type of liquid used for deglazing can subtly change the flavor; broth adds richness, wine adds acidity, and beer introduces a malty note.
- Be careful not to add too much liquid during cooking to ensure the cabbage caramelizes rather than steams.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with cumin.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as a hearty vegetarian main if bacon is omitted.
