Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Mushrooms, and Onions: A Flavorful Comfort Food Recipe
Southern fried cabbage is a classic comfort food dish, and this recipe elevates it to a whole new level by adding smoky bacon, savory mushrooms, and sweet onions. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side dish or even a light main course. This recipe provides detailed instructions for preparing this delicious and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, sweet onions, and the slightly bitter cabbage creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills. It’s a great option for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or substitute different types of meat for the bacon.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Cabbage is a relatively inexpensive vegetable, making this a budget-friendly meal option.
* **Comfort Food at Its Best:** This dish is warm, comforting, and satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **1 medium head of cabbage:** Green cabbage is the most commonly used variety for Southern fried cabbage, but you can also use Savoy cabbage for a slightly milder flavor.
* **6-8 slices of bacon:** Choose your favorite type of bacon. Thick-cut bacon will provide more flavor and texture.
* **1 large onion:** Yellow or white onion will work well in this recipe.
* **8 ounces of mushrooms:** Cremini or button mushrooms are good choices. You can also use a mix of different mushroom varieties.
* **2 cloves garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor to the dish.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon grease:** Olive oil is a healthier option, but bacon grease adds extra flavor.
* **1/4 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth:** Broth adds moisture and flavor to the cabbage.
* **1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar:** Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
* **1 teaspoon smoked paprika:** Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor that complements the bacon.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** Garlic powder enhances the garlic flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice.
* **Salt to taste:** Be careful not to over-salt, as the bacon is already salty.
* **Optional: Red pepper flakes:** For a touch of heat.
* **Optional: Fresh parsley or green onions:** For garnish.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large skillet or Dutch oven:** A large skillet or Dutch oven is essential for cooking the cabbage and other ingredients.
* **Cutting board:** For chopping the vegetables and bacon.
* **Knife:** For chopping the vegetables and bacon.
* **Spatula or wooden spoon:** For stirring the ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make Southern fried cabbage with bacon, mushrooms, and onions:
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
1. **Cook the Bacon:** Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, turning occasionally. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. You want the bacon to be well-cooked so that it crumbles easily and provides a good smoky flavor to the dish. Avoid burning the bacon, as burnt bacon will impart a bitter taste.
2. **Remove and Drain:** Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. This will help keep the dish from being too greasy. The paper towels will absorb the extra fat, leaving you with crispy bacon.
3. **Reserve Bacon Grease (Optional):** If you want to add extra flavor, reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet. If you prefer a healthier option, discard the bacon grease and use olive oil instead. The bacon grease adds a depth of smoky flavor that is characteristic of Southern cuisine.
4. **Crumble the Bacon:** Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into small pieces. Set aside for later. You can crumble the bacon with your hands or use a knife to chop it into smaller pieces. Ensure that the pieces are small enough to distribute evenly throughout the cabbage mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
1. **Chop the Cabbage:** Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and discard them. Cut the cabbage into quarters through the core. Then, cut out the core from each quarter. Slice the cabbage thinly. The thinner you slice the cabbage, the faster it will cook and the more evenly it will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick.
2. **Slice the Onion:** Peel the onion and slice it thinly. Thinly sliced onions will caramelize more easily and add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. You can use a mandoline slicer for even slices, but a sharp knife will also work.
3. **Slice the Mushrooms:** Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Slice the mushrooms into 1/4-inch thick slices. Avoid washing the mushrooms under running water, as they will absorb the water and become soggy. If the mushrooms are particularly dirty, you can quickly rinse them and then pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. **Mince the Garlic:** Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Mincing the garlic releases its flavor and aroma. You can use a garlic press or finely chop the garlic with a knife.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
1. **Sauté the Onions and Garlic:** If you reserved bacon grease, heat it in the skillet over medium heat. If not, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The onions should be soft and slightly caramelized, which will add a sweet flavor to the dish.
2. **Add the Mushrooms:** Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally. The mushrooms will initially absorb the oil in the pan, but they will then release their own moisture as they cook. Continue cooking until the moisture has evaporated and the mushrooms are lightly browned.
3. **Add the Cabbage:** Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir to combine with the onions and mushrooms. The skillet may seem full at first, but the cabbage will wilt down as it cooks. Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to ensure that the cabbage is evenly coated with the spices.
Step 4: Simmer the Cabbage
1. **Add Broth and Vinegar:** Pour the chicken broth or vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar into the skillet. Stir to combine. The broth will add moisture and flavor to the cabbage, while the vinegar will add a touch of acidity.
2. **Cover and Simmer:** Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and has reached your desired level of doneness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the cabbage slices and your personal preference. Some people prefer their cabbage to be slightly crisp-tender, while others prefer it to be very soft.
3. **Check for Doneness:** To check for doneness, pierce the cabbage with a fork. It should be easily pierced and tender to the touch. If the cabbage is still too firm, continue to simmer for a few more minutes.
Step 5: Add the Bacon and Serve
1. **Stir in the Bacon:** Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the crumbled bacon. Reserve a small amount of bacon for garnish, if desired. The bacon will add a smoky and savory flavor to the dish. Ensure that the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the cabbage mixture.
2. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the cabbage and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking. Remember that the bacon is already salty, so be careful not to over-salt.
3. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately. Southern fried cabbage with bacon, mushrooms, and onions is best served warm. It can be served as a side dish or as a light main course.
Tips and Variations
* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, or celery.
* **Use different types of meat:** You can substitute different types of meat for the bacon, such as sausage, ham, or turkey bacon.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
* **Add a touch of sweetness:** A tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
* **Make it spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier dish.
* **Use different types of cabbage:** While green cabbage is the most common choice, you can also use Savoy cabbage or red cabbage.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** For an even easier preparation, this recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
* **Add Smoked Sausage:** For an even meatier dish, consider adding smoked sausage, sliced into coins, along with the bacon.
Serving Suggestions
Southern fried cabbage with bacon, mushrooms, and onions is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, pork chops, or steak.
* **Light Main Course:** Serve it as a light main course with a side of cornbread or biscuits.
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve it as part of a hearty breakfast or brunch spread.
* **Tacos or Wraps:** Use it as a filling for tacos or wraps.
* **With Eggs:** Top with a fried egg for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Leftover Southern fried cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the cabbage in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 250-350 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Protein: 10-15g
**Note:** This is an approximate nutritional estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Enjoy!
This Southern fried cabbage with bacon, mushrooms, and onions recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!