Name: Southern Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 medium head green cabbage; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 2/3 cups chicken broth; 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional); Paprika, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Southern cabbage is a comforting side dish featuring tender cabbage simmered with savory garlic and broth. This simple, flavorful recipe brings traditional Southern flavors to your table, perfect for pairing with your favorite main courses.

The image shows a pan filled with cooked cabbage that has soft, light green and pale yellow layers, mixed with small pieces of crispy, dark brown bacon scattered throughout. A golden spoon is resting in the pan, partially covered by the cabbage layers, which appear tender and slightly shiny from cooking. The pan has a metallic handle and sits on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and inviting, with a mix of soft textures from the cabbage and crispy bits from the bacon photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 medium head green cabbage
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced

Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 2/3 cups chicken broth
4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
Paprika, for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the tough outer leaves and core from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters and then slice each quarter into 1-inch wide strips.
Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the sliced cabbage to the pot along with salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. Stir well to coat the cabbage evenly.

Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender.
Step 5: Taste the cabbage and adjust seasoning if needed. If using bacon, stir in the crumbled bacon during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through.
Step 6: Serve the cabbage warm, sprinkled with paprika for a touch of color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the bacon.
Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors.
Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste when sprinkling on top.

Cook bacon separately until crisp, then crumble and add to keep it crunchy.

Storage

Store leftover Southern cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If the cabbage seems dry after reheating, add a splash of broth or water.

How to Serve

A white plate with a simple serving of cooked cabbage pieces, showing light green and pale yellow colors with soft, slightly wilted textures. Scattered on top are small, crispy dark brown bacon bits adding a crunchy contrast. The cabbage is sprinkled with a light dusting of reddish seasoning and some black pepper, adding specks of color on and around the dish. The plate rests on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use green, savoy, or even Napa cabbage. Just adjust cooking time as savoy and Napa tend to soften more quickly.

Is it necessary to cook the bacon separately?

Cooking bacon separately allows you to control its crispness and prevents it from becoming soggy when added to the cabbage. However, you can cook it with the cabbage if preferred, but it may be less crispy.