Smothered Cabbage
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
5
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Calories
300 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Smothered Cabbage
Description
Smothered Cabbage uses a base of bacon cooked to crispness, followed by browning smoked sausage and sautéing onions. Cubed potatoes and garlic join with seasoning including creole or cajun spices and optional toasted caraway seeds. A whole head of cabbage is added along with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and chicken stock, then cooked covered until tender. Finishing uncovered with additional bacon adds texture contrast. The interplay of smoky pork, earthy potatoes, and mildly sweet cabbage creates a complex, satisfying dish.
The dish features a balance of savory, slightly spicy, and tangy flavors with creamy potato cubes and soft cabbage. The cooking method allows flavors to meld during the low heat simmer while retaining some bite from the vegetables. Caraway seeds provide optional digestive aid and an aromatic layer if included.
Smothered Cabbage pairs well with rustic breads or can stand as a filling main dish for a casual meal. Adjusting water content helps achieve desired tenderness without sogginess. The recipe encourages adding sugar to accentuate natural sweetness and vinegar for brightness, tailoring the final bite to preference.
Notes recommend using fat for vitamin absorption, toasting caraway seeds for added aroma, and chopping cabbage finely for faster cooking. These practical tips enhance the cooking process and flavor outcome.
Ingredients
- 1 white cabbage or savoy cabbage, 3lb (approx. 1.5kgs
- 1 onion yellow or red, large
- 2-3 Bacon or turkey bacon, cut to equal size cubes or stripes, thick slices
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups potato cut into one-inch cubes
- ½ lb smoked sausage approx. 250g, cooked
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon creole seasoning (or cajun seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (more or less according to preference)
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup chicken stock (preferably low-sodium)
Instructions
- Allow a large skillet or pan to heat under medium heat for about 2 minutes. Toast the caraway seeds (optional) until fragrant then set aside.
- To the pan, add the bacon and fry until crisp. Remove the cooked bacon using a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper-lined plate.
- In the same pan, add the smoked sausage, and onion. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and the sausage starts to brown.
- Stir in the potatoes, garlic, creole seasoning, garlic, caraway seeds (optional) and salt.
- Add the cabbage, apple cider vinegar, olive oil and chicken stock.
- Cover the skillet or pan and allow to cook on low heat for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and cabbage are cooked, stirring from time to time. Add some more water if the cabbage still feels tough (¼ cup at a time, to prevent your smothered cabbage from getting soggy).
- Increase the heat to high and remove the cover. Add half of the previously fried bacon and allow the cabbage to cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the pan juices evaporate and the cabbage starts to brown.
- Check for salt and adjust the seasoning appropriately. Garnish with the remaining bacon and serve.
- Serve your smothered cabbage with any kind of baked or grilled meat, chicken or fish (or, with mashed potatoes, bread or rice dishes as a vegan option).
Notes
- Add extra water in ¼ cup increments if cabbage needs more tenderness during cooking.
- Including fats like bacon increases fat-soluble vitamin absorption from cabbage.
- Optional brown or coconut sugar can sweeten the dish, balancing flavors as cabbage naturally sweetens when cooked.
- Toast caraway seeds before frying bacon to boost flavor; omit if unwanted.
- Smaller cabbage pieces reduce cooking time by about 10 minutes.
- Extra vinegar or lemon juice can be added to enhance bite and brightness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 300 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 300kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 16mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 609mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 837mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 878IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 86mg | 96% |
| Calcium | 101mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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