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December 10, 2024
Smothered cabbage is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for the chilly winter months. This traditional Southern recipe combines cabbage, bacon, onions, and a flavorful broth to create a dish that is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a cabbage lover or just looking to try something new, smothered cabbage is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
To make smothered cabbage, you will need:
- 1 head of cabbage
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté them in the bacon grease until they become soft and translucent.
- While the onions are cooking, remove the tough outer leaves of the cabbage and cut it into wedges. Once the onions are done, add the cabbage wedges to the skillet and toss them with the onions and garlic.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and season the cabbage mixture with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cabbage simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it becomes tender.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the smothered cabbage just before serving. This adds a delicious smoky flavor and a bit of crunch to the dish.
- Serve the smothered cabbage as a side dish with your favorite protein, such as roasted chicken or grilled steak. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a vegetarian main course.
Smothered cabbage is a classic Southern dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. Try this recipe for a hearty and delicious side dish that is perfect for any meal.
Note: This recipe serves 4-6 people, but it can easily be doubled or halved to accommodate your needs.
What is smothered cabbage?
Smothered cabbage is a delicious and savory dish that features tender cabbage cooked with onions, bacon, and seasonings. This Southern-style dish is often served as a side dish or main course and is loved for its rich flavors and comforting taste.
To make smothered cabbage, you start by cooking bacon in a large skillet until it becomes crispy. Then, you remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, you sauté onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
Next, you add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook it until it becomes tender. The cabbage is usually seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes other herbs and spices such as garlic powder or paprika.
Once the cabbage is cooked, you crumble the reserved bacon and sprinkle it on top. This adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish and adds a crunchy texture. Smothered cabbage is often served hot and can be enjoyed on its own or alongside other dishes such as roasted meats or mashed potatoes.
Overall, smothered cabbage is a comforting and flavorful dish that is popular in Southern cuisine. Its combination of tender cabbage, savory bacon, and aromatic onions makes it a delicious addition to any menu.
Step-by-step guide to cooking smothered cabbage
To cook smothered cabbage, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
Now, follow these steps to prepare the smothered cabbage:
- First, remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and discard them. Cut the cabbage into quarters, and then remove the core. Chop the cabbage into small pieces.
- In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside to use later.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the bacon drippings. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cabbage starts to wilt.
- Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
- Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.
- While the cabbage is cooking, crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces.
- Once the cabbage is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the cabbage and stir to combine.
- Your smothered cabbage is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
Ingredients for smothered cabbage
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make smothered cabbage:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Cabbage | 1 head |
| Onion | 1 large |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Chicken or vegetable broth | 1 cup |
| Smoked bacon | 4 slices |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Tips for cooking perfect smothered cabbage
Smothered cabbage is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. Here are some tips to help you cook perfect smothered cabbage:
| Tip 1: | Choose fresh cabbage with vibrant green leaves. Make sure the cabbage feels heavy for its size. |
| Tip 2: | Start by removing any damaged or wilted outer leaves from the cabbage. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under cool running water. |
| Tip 3: | Shred the cabbage into thin strips, about 1/4 inch wide. This will ensure that the cabbage cooks evenly. |
| Tip 4: | Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add some cooking oil or butter. You can also use bacon fat for added flavor. |
| Tip 5: | Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. |
| Tip 6: | Cook the cabbage until it becomes tender and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. |
| Tip 7: | If the cabbage starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat and add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. |
| Tip 8: | For extra flavor, you can add onions, garlic, or other vegetables to the skillet along with the cabbage. |
| Tip 9: | Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired tenderness, remove it from the heat and serve hot. |
Follow these tips and you’ll have perfectly cooked smothered cabbage every time. Enjoy!
Variations of smothered cabbage recipes
Smothered cabbage is a versatile dish that can be prepared in various ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations of smothered cabbage recipes that you can try:
1. Vegetarian smothered cabbage
If you prefer a vegetarian version of smothered cabbage, you can omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini, to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Serve it as a main course or as a delicious side dish.
2. Smothered cabbage with bacon
To add a smoky and savory taste to your smothered cabbage, you can include bacon in the recipe. Cook the bacon until crispy, remove it from the pan, and then use the rendered fat to sauté the cabbage and other vegetables. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it on top of the dish before serving for an irresistible flavor combination.
3. Southern-style smothered cabbage
If you want to recreate the classic Southern-style smothered cabbage, you can add some traditional ingredients like smoked ham hocks, onions, and garlic. Simmer the cabbage with the ham hocks until they become tender and flavorful. The smoky and rich taste of the ham hocks will infuse the cabbage with an authentic Southern taste.
Experiment with these variations and feel free to add your own twist to the recipes. Smothered cabbage is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy the comforting and delicious flavors of this timeless recipe!
Serving suggestions and pairing with smothered cabbage
Smothered cabbage is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other dishes for a complete meal. Here are some serving suggestions and pairing ideas to enhance your smothered cabbage experience:
1. Side dish: Serve smothered cabbage as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork, or seared salmon. The savory caramelized flavors of the cabbage complement the main protein and create a well-balanced meal.
2. Rice or pasta: To make a heartier meal, serve smothered cabbage over a bed of fluffy white rice or al dente pasta. The tender cabbage and thick sauce will soak into the grains or noodles, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.
3. Bread: Pair smothered cabbage with crusty artisan bread or rolls. The bread can be used to scoop up the tender cabbage and sauce, allowing you to savor every bite.
4. Sausage or bacon: For an extra burst of flavor, add cooked and crumbled sausage or crispy bacon to the smothered cabbage. The smoky and savory taste of the meat complements the sweetness of the cabbage and adds a delicious twist to the dish.
5. Salad: Balance out the richness of the smothered cabbage with a fresh and crisp salad. Choose a simple mixed greens salad or a tangy coleslaw to add a refreshing element to your meal.
Remember to adjust seasoning and flavors according to personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings to find your favorite combination!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to cook smothered cabbage?
To cook smothered cabbage, you will need the following ingredients: cabbage, onion, garlic, bacon, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and butter.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the dish.
How long does it take to cook smothered cabbage?
The cooking time for smothered cabbage is approximately 30 minutes.
Can I add other vegetables to the smothered cabbage?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the smothered cabbage for added flavor and texture.
What can I serve smothered cabbage with?
Smothered cabbage can be served as a side dish with roasted meat, grilled sausages, or even baked chicken.
What is smothered cabbage?
Smothered cabbage is a traditional Southern dish made by cooking cabbage with onions, garlic, and seasonings until it becomes soft and tender.
Can I use any type of cabbage for smothered cabbage?
Yes, you can use any type of cabbage for smothered cabbage. Green cabbage is the most common choice, but you can also use red or savoy cabbage if you prefer.