Cabbage, bacon, and onions are sautéed together for a savory, comforting Southern-inspired side.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 6 slices bacon
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 6 cups)
03 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings
05 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
06 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
08 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
→ Fats
09 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness)
# Directions:
01 - In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat in the skillet; discard the rest.
02 - Add sliced onions to the reserved bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat until onions are translucent and beginning to caramelize, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
03 - Add chopped cabbage to the skillet. Sauté, turning frequently, until cabbage softens and reduces in volume, about 8 to 10 minutes.
04 - Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings throughout.
05 - Crumble cooked bacon and return it to the skillet. Add butter for extra richness if preferred.
06 - Continue cooking until cabbage is tender and edges begin to brown, 4 to 5 minutes more. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Serve hot as a savory side or main dish accompanied by crusty bread, if desired.
