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November 19, 2024
If you’re looking for a simple and delicious vegetable side dish, soul food cabbage is a fantastic choice. This classic Southern dish is known for its rich, comforting flavors and tender texture. Soul food cabbage is typically made with ingredients such as bacon, onions, and spices that come together to create a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.
To start, you’ll need a head of cabbage. Look for one that is fresh and has tight, crisp leaves. Before you begin cooking, it’s important to wash the cabbage thoroughly and remove any outer leaves that are damaged or wilted. Once the cabbage is clean, you can begin preparing it for cooking.
Begin by cutting the cabbage into quarters and removing the core. Then, thinly slice the cabbage into strips. This will ensure that the cabbage cooks evenly and quickly. It’s important to note that the size of your cabbage strips will affect the cooking time, so be mindful of how thin or thick you slice them.
Pro Tip: For a heartier dish, you can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots. This will add even more flavor and nutrients to your soul food cabbage.
Next, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a few slices of bacon. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and the fat has rendered. This rendered fat will add a wonderful smoky flavor to the cabbage. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Traditional Soul Food Cabbage Recipe
If you are looking for a classic soul food dish that is both delicious and comforting, this traditional soul food cabbage recipe is the perfect choice. Made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor, it is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup of chicken broth
Instructions:
- Start by washing the cabbage and removing the outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Slice the cabbage into thin strips.
- In a large skillet or pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat.
- Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Stir well to coat the cabbage with the seasoning.
- Pour the chicken broth over the cabbage and stir everything together. Cover the skillet and let the cabbage cook over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cabbage is tender, remove the lid and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to evaporate any excess liquid.
- Before serving, sprinkle the cooked bacon over the cabbage for added flavor. You can also garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch.
This traditional soul food cabbage recipe pairs well with cornbread or rice. It makes a great side dish for fried chicken, baked pork chops, or any other classic soul food meal. Enjoy!
Gather the Ingredients
To cook soul food cabbage, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
| Cabbage | 1 head |
| Bacon | 4 slices |
| Onion | 1 medium-sized |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before starting to cook the soul food cabbage. This will ensure a smoother cooking process.
Prepare the cabbage
Before you start cooking soul food cabbage, it’s important to properly prepare the cabbage to ensure that it’s clean and ready for cooking.
1. Choose a fresh cabbage
When selecting your cabbage, look for a head that is firm and heavy for its size. Avoid any cabbages that have wilted or discolored leaves as they may indicate that the cabbage is old or not as fresh.
2. Remove outer leaves
Once you have chosen your cabbage, begin by removing the outer leaves. These leaves can sometimes be tough and are often discarded before cooking. Peel off any leaves that are damaged or have brown spots.
3. Rinse the cabbage
After removing the outer leaves, rinse the cabbage thoroughly under cold running water. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be present on the leaves.
4. Cut the cabbage
Slice the cabbage in half, starting from the top and going through the core. You can then cut each half into quarters, or if you prefer smaller pieces, you can cut them into eighths. Make sure to remove the tough core of the cabbage by cutting it out.
Now that your cabbage is prepared, you’re ready to move on to the next steps of cooking soul food cabbage.
Cook the Bacon
To begin cooking soul food cabbage, you will need some bacon. The bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish. Here’s how to cook the bacon:
- Take a skillet or frying pan and place it over medium heat.
- Add the bacon slices to the skillet and cook them until they become crispy and golden brown.
- Make sure to flip the bacon slices occasionally to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease.
- Allow the bacon to cool slightly before chopping it into small pieces.
Now that you have cooked and chopped the bacon, you can move onto the next step of preparing the soul food cabbage dish.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
To start making soul food cabbage, you’ll need to sauté the onion and garlic. This step adds a flavorful base to the dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add a tablespoon of cooking oil to the pan and let it heat up.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir the onion and garlic mixture occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
- Once the onion and garlic are nicely sautéed, you can proceed to the next step of cooking the soul food cabbage.
This step provides a delicious aroma and flavor to the cabbage dish, making it a soulful and satisfying meal. It’s essential to pay attention to the timing to ensure that the onion and garlic are cooked just right.
Add the Cabbage and Seasonings
Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot, leaving behind the rendered fat. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the diced onions to the pot. Sauté the onions until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Next, carefully add the sliced cabbage to the pot. Stir the cabbage well to evenly coat it with the rendered bacon fat and onions. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste over the cabbage, and then add your preferred seasonings.
Seasoning Options:
You can keep it simple and stick to the classic soul food flavors by adding a few dashes of hot sauce and a sprinkle of garlic powder. You can also try adding some smoked paprika for a smoky undertone or red pepper flakes for some heat. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preference.
Note: If you prefer your cabbage to have a bit of sweetness, you can add a small amount of sugar or honey. This will help balance out the savory flavors and add a touch of richness.
Continue stirring the cabbage occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook the cabbage uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has wilted down and become tender, but still has a slight crunch.
Remember, the key to cooking soul food cabbage is to retain some of its natural texture and freshness, so be careful not to overcook it.
Simmer and Serve
Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired tenderness, it’s time to simmer and serve your delicious soul food cabbage. Follow these simple steps:
1. Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the cabbage simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and further enhance the taste of the dish.
2. Serve:
Once the cabbage is done simmering, it’s time to serve. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cabbage to a serving dish, making sure to drain off any excess liquid. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for an extra burst of flavor and vibrant color.
Serve your soul food cabbage as a side dish alongside your favorite main course, such as fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or blackened catfish. It also pairs well with traditional southern sides like cornbread, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. Enjoy!
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – 1 head of cabbage | – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. |
| – 6 slices of bacon, chopped | – Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. |
| – 1 onion, diced | – Add the diced onion and cook until softened. |
| – 2 cloves of garlic, minced | – Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. |
| – 1 cup of chicken broth | – Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. |
| – 1 teaspoon of paprika | – Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir well. |
| – 1/2 teaspoon of salt | – Add the cabbage wedges to the pot and cover it with a lid. |
| – 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper | – Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. |
| – Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) | – Reduce the heat to low and let the cabbage simmer for 10-15 minutes. |
FAQ
What is soul food cabbage?
Soul food cabbage is a traditional dish in African American cuisine that is made with cabbage and flavored with various seasonings. It is often cooked slowly to achieve a rich and comforting flavor.
What ingredients do I need to cook soul food cabbage?
To cook soul food cabbage, you will need cabbage, onion, garlic, bacon or smoked turkey, chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Additional seasonings like paprika, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce can be added for extra flavor.
How do I prepare the cabbage for cooking?
To prepare the cabbage, remove the outer leaves and core, then chop or shred it into desired sized pieces. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
What is the best way to cook soul food cabbage?
The best way to cook soul food cabbage is to start by cooking the bacon or smoked turkey in a large pot or Dutch oven until crispy. Then, add the onion and garlic and cook until they are softened. Next, add the cabbage, chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and flavorful.
Can I make soul food cabbage vegetarian?
Yes, you can make soul food cabbage vegetarian by omitting the bacon or smoked turkey and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add vegetarian-friendly seasonings and spices like smoked paprika or liquid smoke to enhance the flavor.
What are the ingredients needed to cook soul food cabbage?
The ingredients needed to cook soul food cabbage are cabbage, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.