FRIED CABBAGE (WITH BACON, ONION, AND GARLIC)

Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic is a flavorful, savory dish that’s quick to make and perfect as a side dish or even a main dish when paired with other vegetables or proteins. The bacon adds a delicious smokiness, while the garlic and onions bring out the richness of the cabbage. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of green cabbage (or ½ head if large), shredded or chopped
• 6 slices of bacon (cut into small pieces)
• 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of color and flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (optional, for a little tang)
• Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
• Once the bacon is crispy, remove it with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for cooking (you can drain off excess if you prefer less fat).

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

• Add the sliced onion to the same pan with the bacon grease (or add a tablespoon of olive oil if you’ve drained most of the grease).
• Cook the onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Cook the Cabbage:

• Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
• Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to evenly distribute the seasoning.
• Continue cooking the cabbage over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp. If you want it more wilted or caramelized, you can cook it a little longer.

4. Add the Bacon and Vinegar:

• Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet.
• Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar (optional) and give everything a good stir to combine. The vinegar adds a bit of tang that complements the cabbage and bacon wonderfully.

5. Serve:

• Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this fried cabbage as a side dish with roasted meats (like pork chops, chicken, or steak), sausages, or grilled fish.
• You can also enjoy it with mashed potatoes or cornbread for a comforting meal.
• If you’re keeping it low-carb or keto, it’s a perfect main dish on its own.

Optional Variations:

• Add a little sweetness: For a sweet-savory twist, add 1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spicy variation: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Other veggies: You can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for additional texture and color.

Enjoy your Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic! It’s a perfect comfort food with tons of flavor in every bite. 🥓🥬