Southern Fried Cabbage is a quintessential comfort dish that’s both simple and incredibly flavorful. Infused with smoky bacon, tender cabbage, and a hint of mustard and paprika, this dish is a celebration of rustic Southern cooking. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal, this smoky and delicious fried cabbage is easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness. Whether you’re looking to elevate your vegetable game or searching for a cozy, homestyle recipe, this dish will leave your taste buds satisfied and your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of Southern cooking.
Ingredients:
- 6 pieces bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard (or Dijon mustard)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 head cabbage, sliced and chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is crispy and browned. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Mustard and Paprika: Stir in the stone-ground mustard and smoked paprika, combining them with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the sliced and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Toss the cabbage in the skillet to coat it evenly with the bacon drippings, onion, and seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Combine with Bacon: Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired tenderness, add the crispy bacon pieces back to the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing the bacon to warm through and meld with the cabbage.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the fried cabbage hot, garnished with additional freshly ground black pepper if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread or as a side to any Southern-inspired meal.
Conclusion:
Smoky Southern Fried Cabbage is a deliciously simple dish that showcases the best of Southern flavors. The combination of crispy bacon, tender cabbage, and a hint of mustard and paprika creates a robust and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it on its own, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s the perfect way to elevate a humble vegetable into something truly special.
Smoky Southern Fried Cabbage: A Flavorful Comfort Classic
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bacon cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons stone-ground mustard or Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 head cabbage sliced and chopped
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is crispy and browned. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Mustard and Paprika: Stir in the stone-ground mustard and smoked paprika, combining them with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the sliced and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Toss the cabbage in the skillet to coat it evenly with the bacon drippings, onion, and seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Combine with Bacon: Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired tenderness, add the crispy bacon pieces back to the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing the bacon to warm through and meld with the cabbage.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the fried cabbage hot, garnished with additional freshly ground black pepper if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread or as a side to any Southern-inspired meal.