Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 6-8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the bacon grease. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Cabbage:
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the bacon grease.
- Cook the cabbage for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften and develop a bit of color.
- Season the Cabbage:
- Sprinkle the cabbage with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked bacon back to the skillet and stir to combine.
- For extra richness, you can add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt into the cabbage.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve:
- Serve the fried cabbage with bacon hot, as a side dish or a main dish. It’s great on its own or served with cornbread or potatoes.
This dish is full of flavor, with the smoky bacon complementing the sweetness of the cabbage. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy cabbage and a great comfort food option!
