Fried Cabbage

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium-sized head of green cabbage, shredded

6 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped

1 large onion, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by shredding the cabbage, chopping the bacon, slicing the onion, and mincing the garlic. Having everything ready before you start cooking will make the process smoother.

Cook Bacon: In a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon becomes crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.

Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan with the bacon drippings, add olive oil and sliced onions. Cook the onions until they become translucent, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Cabbage: Incorporate the shredded cabbage into the pan, stirring well to combine with the onions and garlic. Allow the cabbage to cook down, reducing in volume and becoming tender. This may take about 10-15 minutes.

Seasonings: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the cabbage mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasonings and infuse the flavors into the dish.

Butter Infusion: Add unsalted butter to the pan, stirring until melted. The butter adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the fried cabbage.

Crispy Bacon Return: Introduce the crispy bacon back into the pan, mixing it in with the cabbage. This step allows the bacon to reheat and mingle with the other flavors.

Final Touch: Taste the fried cabbage and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

Serve Warm: Once everything is well combined and the cabbage is tender, remove the pan from heat. Serve the savory Southern Fried Cabbage immediately as a flavorful side dish or a hearty main course.