If you’re looking for a quick and delicious side dish to accompany any meal, look no further than cabbage with bacon. This classic combination of flavors is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a cabbage lover or not, the addition of crispy bacon takes this dish to a whole new level.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need a head of cabbage, bacon slices, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure to wash and remove any outer leaves from the cabbage, then cut it into thin slices. Chop the bacon slices into small pieces, mince the onion, and crush the garlic cloves. Having all the ingredients ready will make the cooking process much smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Onions

In a large skillet, cook the bacon pieces until they become crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté the minced onion and crushed garlic until they become translucent and fragrant. This will infuse the dish with a delicious aroma and add depth of flavor.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Add the cabbage to the skillet with the cooked onions and garlic. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Cover the skillet and let the cabbage cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes tender.

Step 4: Add the Crispy Bacon

Once the cabbage is tender, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top. Gently toss the bacon with the cabbage to evenly distribute the flavors. The bacon will add a delightful crunch and saltiness that complements the sweetness of the cabbage.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cabbage with bacon to a serving dish. You can serve it as a side dish alongside roasted meat or as a main course with some crusty bread. This savory and mouthwatering dish is guaranteed to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!

Ingredients for cooking cabbage with bacon on the stove:

To cook cabbage with bacon on the stove, you will need the following ingredients:

Cabbage:

  • 1 medium-sized cabbage head

Bacon:

  • 4-6 slices of bacon

Other ingredients:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth

These ingredients will give your cabbage with bacon a delicious and savory flavor. Make sure to have them ready before you start cooking!

Cabbage:

When it comes to adding flavor and depth to your dishes, cabbage is a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that can be a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking to make a healthy side dish or a hearty main course, cabbage can be prepared in various ways to suit your taste buds.

Varieties of Cabbage:

  • Green cabbage: This is the most common type of cabbage, with its round shape and smooth, pale green leaves. It has a crisp texture and a mild flavor, making it a popular choice for coleslaw or stir-fries.
  • Savoy cabbage: With its crinkled, wrinkled leaves, savoy cabbage has a more delicate and tender texture compared to green cabbage. Its slightly sweet and buttery taste makes it perfect for sautéing or steaming.
  • Red cabbage: As the name suggests, this cabbage variety has vibrant purple-red leaves, which add a pop of color to your dishes. It has a slightly bitter taste and a crunchier texture, making it a great addition to salads or pickling recipes.
  • Napa cabbage: Also known as Chinese cabbage, napa cabbage has long, light green leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is often used in Asian cuisine, especially in dishes like stir-fries and kimchi.
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Health Benefits of Cabbage:

Cabbage is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can benefit your health. It is a good source of vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as folate and fiber. It also contains antioxidants that can help protect your body against inflammation and certain chronic diseases.

Additionally, cabbage is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-calorie or low-carb diet. It is also a good source of hydration due to its high water content.

Overall, cabbage is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. From soups and stews to coleslaw and sautéed side dishes, there are countless ways to incorporate cabbage into your cooking. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t forget to pick up a head of cabbage and enjoy its delicious taste and health benefits!

Bacon:

Bacon is a popular ingredient in many recipes, including cabbage dishes. It adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish, complementing the mild taste of cabbage. When cooked, bacon becomes crispy and releases its fat, which helps to cook the cabbage and add richness to the dish.

To cook cabbage with bacon on the stove, start by cooking the bacon until it is crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel to drain the excess fat. In the same pan, add chopped cabbage and cook it in the rendered bacon fat until it becomes tender, about 8-10 minutes. Season the cabbage with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs.

Once the cabbage is cooked, crumble the reserved crispy bacon and sprinkle it over the cabbage. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the bacon. Serve the cabbage and bacon dish as a side dish or as a main course with some crusty bread on the side. The combination of cabbage and bacon is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by itself or paired with other dishes.

Onion:

One medium-sized onion will add flavor and depth to your cabbage and bacon dish. Begin by peeling the onion and cutting off both ends. Then, slice the onion in half from top to bottom.

Place one of the onion halves flat side down on the cutting board. Make thin, even slices across the onion, being careful to keep your fingers tucked safely away. Repeat with the other onion half.

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Once sliced, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or bacon grease. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and slightly caramelized.

Stir the onion occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Once the onion is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside for later. You can add it back to the skillet along with the cabbage and bacon.

The cooked onion will add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, complementing the smoky taste of the bacon and the earthiness of the cabbage. It will also add a nice texture to the overall dish. Don’t skip this step, as it plays an important role in enhancing the flavors of the dish!

Garlic:

Garlic is an essential ingredient in many cabbage with bacon recipes. It adds a strong and distinct flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Here’s how you can use garlic to elevate your cabbage with bacon on the stove:

  1. Start by peeling and finely mincing 3-4 cloves of garlic.
  2. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat, then add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
  4. Next, add the diced bacon to the pan and cook them together with the garlic. Stir occasionally to ensure that the bacon cooks evenly and the garlic doesn’t burn.
  5. Continue cooking the garlic and bacon until the bacon turns crispy and browned to your liking.
  6. At this point, you can choose to remove some of the excess bacon fat from the pan if desired.
  7. Add the sliced cabbage to the pan and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine.
  8. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the cabbage with bacon and garlic mixture for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.
  9. Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the lid and let any excess liquid evaporate if needed.
  10. Your delicious cabbage with bacon and garlic is now ready to be served!

Olive oil:

To cook cabbage with bacon on the stove, you’ll need a tablespoon of olive oil. Olive oil is a versatile and healthy cooking oil that adds flavor to your dish. It is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making it a heart-healthy choice.

To start, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is big enough to hold the cabbage and bacon. Add the bacon slices to the skillet and cook them until they are crispy and browned. This will take about 5 minutes on each side.

Next, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet as they will add flavor to the cabbage. Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes tender.

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While the cabbage is cooking, crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces. Once the cabbage is tender, add the crumbled bacon back into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Finally, season the cabbage and bacon mixture with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook for another minute. Serve hot and enjoy!

Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 small head cabbage, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add bacon slices and cook until crispy and browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove bacon and set aside.
  3. Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until tender.
  4. Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and add it back to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add other seasonings if desired.
  6. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and cook for another minute.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Q&A

How do I prepare the cabbage for cooking?

To prepare the cabbage for cooking, start by removing the tough outer leaves. Cut the cabbage in half, and then slice it thinly. Rinse the sliced cabbage under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.

Can I use other types of meat instead of bacon?

Yes, you can use other types of meat instead of bacon. Smoked sausage or ham would work well in this recipe. Simply cook the sausage or ham in a separate pan and add it to the cooked cabbage at the end.

How long does it take to cook cabbage with bacon on the stove?

It takes approximately 20-25 minutes to cook cabbage with bacon on the stove. The bacon needs to be cooked first, then the onions and garlic are added, followed by the sliced cabbage. The cabbage should be cooked until it is tender but still has some bite.

Are there any variations to this recipe?

Yes, there are many variations to this recipe. You can add other vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for added flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as adding paprika or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to your taste!

What ingredients are needed to cook cabbage with bacon on the stove?

To cook cabbage with bacon on the stove, you will need the following ingredients: cabbage, bacon, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for this recipe. It will provide a healthier alternative, but keep in mind that the taste might differ slightly.