Old School Elevated Classic Boiled Cabbage with Smoked Bacon Butter

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some boiled cabbage recipes that actually taste amazing? I bet you thought boiled cabbage was boring, right? Well, get ready for a flavor explosion! This old fashioned boiled cabbage recipe is about to change your mind.

Brief Overview

This recipe is rooted in classic comfort food. It transforms humble cabbage into something special. It’s easy peasy, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes four generous servings.

Main Benefits

This cabbage dish is packed with fiber. It's a surprisingly healthy and satisfying side. Serve it alongside your Sunday roast. This recipe elevates a simple ingredient into a tasty treat.

Elevating Humble Cabbage: A Boiled Revelation

Have you ever wondered what can you make with cabbage ? I have, countless times. Let's be honest, boiled cabbage has a bit of a bad rep.

This recipe tackles that head-on. Think smoky bacon and butter. Mmm, butter.

My Nan used to make simple boiled cabbage recipe . It was...well, simple. This version adds flavour. It includes bacon and other tasty bits. We're talking recipes with cooked cabbage that sing!

This isn't just boiled cabbage side dish ; it’s an experience. The bacon adds a salty, smoky kick. The butter brings richness.

It's way beyond your average, bland boiled veg. Plus, with a simple trick to find out how to boil cabbage without smell .

I have tried plenty of recipes for cabbage but this one is my fave. It is boiled cabbage with bacon after all.

So, ready to give these delicious cabbage recipes a go? Let's dive into the ingredients!

Right, let's dive into what you need to make boiled cabbage recipes taste amazing . Forget that watery stuff you might remember. We're doing it right.

Ingredients & Equipment

Here’s what you need to turn basic cabbage into something special. Honestly, getting the right ingredients makes all the difference.

Main Ingredients

• 1 medium head of green cabbage ( about 2 pounds/900g ), shredded. Quality is key! Look for a firm head with tightly packed leaves. No slimy bits, alright?
• 4 slices smoked streaky bacon ( about 4 ounces/115g ), diced. Get proper smoky bacon. The flavour is a game changer.
• 1 medium yellow onion ( about 5 ounces/140g ), chopped. Any old onion will do.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter ( 60g ), divided. Don't skimp on the butter.
• 1/4 cup water ( 60ml ). Just tap water, nothing fancy.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar ( 15ml ). Balances the richness perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar ( 5g ). Just a touch to bring out the sweetness.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Don't be shy.

I remember once, I tried using red cabbage instead. It tasted okay , but it just wasn't the same! Green cabbage is the way to go for this particular recipe.

It feels so much like a great way to start making recipes with cooked cabbage .

Seasoning Notes

You can't just chuck some cabbage in a pot and hope for the best.

• Bacon, butter, and vinegar are your core flavour combo. Don't mess with this!
• A pinch of sugar makes it even better. Honestly, trust me.
• If you don't have apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of lemon works in a pinch.

These delicious cabbage recipes rely on the right flavour profiles. I use more pepper than salt, just how my grandma used to make old fashioned boiled cabbage .

Equipment Needed

Simple tools only!

• Large pot or Dutch oven. Essential for even cooking.
• Colander. For draining the boiled cabbage side dish .
• Cutting board and knife. Obvious.

Don't have a Dutch oven? A big pot will do just fine. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't stick.

This simple boiled cabbage recipe is easy to pull off even without fancy equipment. You know, sometimes I think people are put off by how to boil cabbage without smell .

The vinegar helps!

There you have it! Now get your gear and prepare some great cabbage dishes ! You'll be amazed what you can make with cabbage" when you get started!

The Boiled Cabbage Comeback: From Bland to Brilliant

Let’s be honest. Boiled cabbage has a bad rep. It's often seen as bland. Think school dinners gone wrong, you know? But recipes with cooked cabbage don't have to be boring.

We can transform this humble veggie. Honestly, I used to hate cabbage dishes until I learned a few tricks. Are you in?

Prep Like a Pro

First things first. Get your mise en place sorted. Chop 4 slices of streaky smoked bacon, dice 1 medium onion, and shred 1 medium head of green cabbage.

This makes the process smooth. Honestly, this makes life way easier. This ensures you're not scrambling around later. I learned that the hard way after almost setting the kitchen on fire.

step-by-step to Boiled Cabbage Bliss

This simple boiled cabbage recipe is easy peasy.

1. Fry diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon. Set aside, save the bacon fat.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the bacon fat. Sauté chopped onion until soft ( 5- 7 minutes ).
3. Add shredded cabbage, toss to coat with fat and onion.
4. Pour in 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover, reduce heat to low. Cook for 10- 12 minutes , or until tender with a slight bite.
6. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and crispy bacon. Taste and adjust.

Pro Tips for Cabbage Confidence

Want to make your old fashioned boiled cabbage amazing? Don't overcook it. Aim for tender crisp. Soggy cabbage is the ultimate no-no.

Trust me. Also, use smoked bacon. It adds a flavour you won't believe. Want some delicious cabbage recipes ? Use these steps as a start!

What can you make with cabbage? Loads of things, especially using boiled cabbage with bacon ! This recipe is a fantastic boiled cabbage side dish .

This will leave people wondering how to boil cabbage without smell and make it taste amazing! Enjoy it!

Recipe Notes

Right then, you’ve got this far. Time for a few final thoughts. Honestly, these are the things I wish I'd known the first time I attempted boiled cabbage recipes .

It was a bit of a disaster. Now, let's look at a few important things that will help you to cook the best recipes with cooked cabbage

Serving Suggestions

Plating: Presentation matters. Pile the delicious cabbage recipes high in a serving dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits.

Drizzle with a tiny bit of the buttery pan juices. It looks way better than just dumping it on a plate.

Sides and Drinks : This is a brilliant boiled cabbage side dish . It pairs perfectly with roast pork. Bangers and mash would also be brilliant.

As for drinks, a crisp dry cider is a winner. Or, if you fancy wine, a light Pinot Grigio does the trick.

Storage Tips

Fridge Time : Got leftovers? Pop that cabbage dish into an airtight container. It will happily sit in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing: I wouldn’t advise it, to be honest. Old fashioned boiled cabbage tends to get a bit mushy after freezing and thawing. It’s just never quite the same.

Reheating : The best way is in a frying pan with a little butter. Gently heat it through until piping hot.

You could also use the microwave but watch it doesn’t get too soggy.

Variations

Dietary Tweaks: For a veggie version, ditch the bacon. Use olive oil and a dash of smoked paprika for that smoky taste.

You can then have something that is suitable for more people using recipes for cabbage .

Seasonal Swaps: In winter, try adding some chunks of apple to the pot for a bit of sweetness. Spring? Add some fresh herbs like parsley or chives at the end.

It gives it a nice, fresh lift.

Nutrition Basics

Cabbage is packed with goodness. Fiber? Check. Vitamin C? Check. It’s also low in calories. This simple boiled cabbage recipe is actually surprisingly good for you.

Just don’t go too mad on the butter. You know?

Conclusion :

Don’t be scared of boiled cabbage with bacon ! With a few simple tricks, you can make something truly tasty.

Even if it sounds like something your nan used to make, it does not have to be boring. Get in that kitchen and give it a go.

You might surprise yourself. Plus now you have all the knowledge on what can you make with cabbage !

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My boiled cabbage is always mushy. What am I doing wrong?

Ah, the dreaded mushy cabbage! Overcooking is the usual culprit. Aim for tender crisp, like you would with al dente pasta. With these boiled cabbage recipes, a shorter cooking time is key usually around 10-12 minutes once it's simmering. Keep a close eye on it and test it with a fork.

Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe? I only have red cabbage on hand.

While this recipe is tailored for green cabbage, you can use other types, but the results will vary slightly. Red cabbage will need a bit longer to cook and will impart a different flavour profile, being a bit more peppery. Savoy cabbage is a good alternative too for a milder flavour.

Just be aware that the cooking time might need adjusting; keep testing until it is cooked to your liking!

What's the best way to store leftover boiled cabbage recipes? Will it still taste good the next day?

Absolutely! Store leftover boiled cabbage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually often tastes even better the next day, as the flavours have had a chance to meld. Reheat gently in a pan on the hob or in the microwave.

You might want to add a knob of butter or a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

I'm trying to eat healthier. Is boiled cabbage good for me? What are the nutritional benefits?

Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse! It's low in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The bacon and butter in this particular recipe add some fat, of course, but you can easily adapt it by using less butter or swapping the bacon for leaner ham or even skipping it altogether.

You could add a pinch of smoked paprika for that lovely smoky flavour in place of the bacon!

Can I freeze this boiled cabbage recipe?

Freezing boiled cabbage isn't generally recommended. The texture can become quite watery and mushy upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or as leftovers within a few days. However, if you really want to, make sure it is cooled completely before freezing in an airtight container for no longer than a month.

Are there any variations I can try to spice up these boiled cabbage recipes? I find it a bit bland on its own.

Definitely! Boiled cabbage doesn't have to be boring. This recipe already uses bacon to add a lot of flavour. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add some heat, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce will give it a savoury kick.

Experiment with different herbs and spices, like caraway seeds, garlic powder, or even a touch of curry powder, to find your perfect flavour combination. You could even finish it with some toasted nuts for added texture and flavour.