Braised Cabbage with Bacon
Braised Cabbage with Bacon is a cozy embrace from Eastern Europe, bringing together the humble yet hearty flavors of tender cabbage and rich, crispy bacon. This dish is a symphony of textures and tastes, where the smoky aroma of bacon infuses the cabbage, transforming it into something truly special.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon cut into pieces
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 kg (1 head) of green cabbage cored and sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar optional
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it's crispy and the fat has rendered, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the sliced onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and starting to turn golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Cabbage: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Gradually add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the onion and garlic. It may seem like a lot at first, but the cabbage will wilt down as it cooks.
- Braise the Cabbage: Add the chicken or vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, and sugar (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine. Season with saltt and pepper.. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the cabbage braise, stirring
- Finish the Dish: Once the cabbage is tender, add the cooked bacon pieces back to the skillet. Stir well to distribute the bacon throughout the cabbage. Increase the heat to medium and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the braised cabbage with bacon warm as a side dish to your favorite main courses.
- Dobar tek!