Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage and bacon is something I've had on my radar forever but just never made it. I'll be honest - we don't typically use cabbage as a side dish like this. I love it, I just usually buy it specifically for a recipe that I'm making - and never think to get it to use as a veggie side!

I will definitely make this one again though - cabbage is so incredibly versatile, and oh my does it belong with bacon!

This is a simple recipe with only a handful of ingredients, but it packs a big flavor punch and just tastes homey and comforting. If you want less grease, definitely drain most of it out after cooking the bacon, but definitely leave enough to give your cabbage at least a thin layer so it will fry up well. A little bit of broth or water can be used as well to help it soften if the grease cooks off before the cabbage is done!

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Ingredients
8 slices bacon coarsely chopped
1 medium white onion, finely diced
1 head green cabbage cored and diced (appx. 1" pieces)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Fry the bacon in a large nonstick skillet. When fully cooked, remove to drain on papertowels. You want about 2 TBS of grease left in the skillet - drain off excess if needed.
2. Add the onion, and fry for about 3-4 minutes, then add in all of the cabbage. Stir occasionally, making sure cabbage gets even "bottom time" and is well coated in the grease. 
3. Season with about 1 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper to start with while it is cooking.
4. Continue cooking and stirring about 20-30 minutes, until well wilted and it has reached your desired consistency. Taste test, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. If your mixture is not softening quickly enough - you can cover with a lid and / or add a splash of water or broth to help it along if you think it needs it.
6. Chop / crumble the bacon and toss into the mixture.
7. Serve warm. 

Recipe from Dinner at the Zoo