Fried Cabbage with Bacon Onion and Garlic

Ingredients

• 4 strips of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, sliced (yellow or white onion works well)
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a tangy flavor)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:
   In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
2. Sauté the Onion:
   Add the sliced onion to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté the onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and slightly caramelized.
3. Add Garlic:
   Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for an additional 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Add Cabbage:
   Gradually add the chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir well to combine, and allow it to cook down a bit. You may need to do this in batches if your skillet is not large enough.
5. Season:
   Season the cabbage with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should be tender but still have a bit of crunch.
6. Add Bacon:
   Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, add the crispy bacon back to the skillet. If you like a bit of tang, you can drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the cabbage at this point and stir well to combine.
7. Serve:
   Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired. Serve warm as a tasty side dish.

Tips

• For a smoky flavor, you can use smoked bacon.
• Experiment with adding other ingredients like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and color.
• This dish pairs well with roasted meats, sausage, or as part of a hearty meal.

Enjoy your Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic!