How to Make Braised Cabbage with Bacon
Step #1: Cook the bacon in a large heavy pot over medium heat until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crisp and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, reserving the bacon fat in the pot. After I made that crazy Apple-Bacon Mac & Cheese a few weeks ago, I’ve had all things Apple-Bacon on my mind, so I figured why not go ahead and make something fun for Oktoberfest? Thus, Beer Braised Cabbage with Bacon and Apples was born. You’ll love the combination of smoky bacon, sweet apples, and sour cabbage in this recipe. I love this with some crusty bread and a big bowl full of German Beer Cheese Soup. Don’t forget to whip up some quick Crockpot Fondue while you’re at it! The more prosperous farmers who also raised pigs could use leftover parts to flavor their vegetables, which they didn’t need to cover their monthly tariff payments. When the Great Potato Famine struck in 1845, it wiped out much of the country’s potato crop, making cabbage even more important as a food source. Nowadays, eating cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day is a popular tradition. Step #2: Add the butter to the same pot, along with the cabbage, onion, and apple. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Step #3: Add the beer, vinegar, caraway seeds, salt, pepper, and sugar to the pot. Stir well, then use a utensil to submerge the cabbage mixture under the beer. Turn the heat up to medium-high and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender, about 20-30 minutes. Return the bacon to the pot, toss well, and serve warm. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s heated through, stirring occasionally. If the mixture seems dry when reheating, adding a little water or extra beer can help restore the moisture and flavors.
title: “Braised Cabbage With Bacon” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-08” author: “Michael Howell”
on Feb 29, 2012, Updated Sep 13, 2021 23 Comments Braised cabbage with bacon is hard to beat for a hearty, down-home side dish. It’s one of those simple little recipes that makes the most humble of meals seem like so much more. Growing up, Mama would serve cooked cabbage with meatloaf or pork chops along with a side of mashed potatoes on a regular basis. I’ll admit, I ate them because I had to. They were far from my favorite vegetables that she prepared. As I got older, I grew to not mind them as much. I suppose it was routine exposure and learning to actually like them. But I have to tell you, I never really loved them until I started preparing them as I do in this recipe – braised with bacon and a bit of onion. I could make an entire meal out of that dish alone and actually have for lunch on a few occasions. Little Buddy is still at the point I was when I was growing up with cabbage, but I feel sure that by having our “hello bites” on a routine basis he might actually love them as much as I do when he’s in his forties. At least I’m cooking them like he will. Here’s how I make my braised cabbage with bacon. Try it soon! Enjoy!Robyn xo What vegetable did you eat as a child, but really learn to love when you got older?
