Southern Cabbage

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Southern Cabbage is a soulful, savory side dish that brings comforting warmth to the table. Simmered slowly with butter, onions, and a touch of seasoning, this humble vegetable transforms into something rich, flavorful, and downright addictive. The cabbage becomes tender, buttery, and slightly sweet, all while absorbing the essence of the spices and aromatics used in the pan.

Whether you’re serving it alongside fried chicken, cornbread, or black-eyed peas, Southern Cabbage is a timeless dish rooted in heritage and flavor. It’s simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying—just the kind of food that makes you close your eyes and sigh with each bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Southern Cabbage

• It’s budget-friendly and uses simple, accessible ingredients.
• Packed with flavor despite minimal prep.
• Can be made vegan or meaty (add bacon or sausage).
• A great way to incorporate leafy greens into any meal.
• Comforting, nostalgic, and full of Southern charm.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best Southern Cabbage, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Large Cast Iron Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for even heat distribution and perfect for long, slow simmering.
• Sharp Knife: For cleanly slicing the cabbage into strips without bruising the leaves.
• Cutting Board: Use a large one to safely handle the cabbage.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For gently stirring without breaking down the cabbage too much.

Each tool plays a role in helping you create a well-cooked, flavorful cabbage dish with just the right texture.

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Preparation Tips

Choose a fresh, firm head of green cabbage—look for tightly packed leaves with no brown spots. When slicing, keep the pieces relatively uniform so they cook evenly. Don’t skip the onion; it adds depth of flavor. If you want a smoky taste, a little smoked paprika or a few strips of cooked bacon go a long way. Be patient—low and slow cooking brings out the best in this dish.

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Ingredients for this Southern Cabbage

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or bacon drippings for more flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• Optional: 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled, or 1/2 cup chopped smoked sausage

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Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Begin by removing any wilted or tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut it in half, then into quarters, and remove the core. Chop into bite-sized strips. Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic.

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Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil (or bacon grease if using), letting it melt and coat the bottom of the pan evenly.

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Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the sliced onions and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until softened and translucent. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 4: Add the Cabbage

Toss in the chopped cabbage, and stir well to coat it in the butter and onions. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage begins to soften.

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Step 5: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. If you’re adding bacon or sausage, stir it in now. Pour in the broth, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

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Step 6: Final Taste and Serve

Once the cabbage is tender and infused with all the flavors, give it a final taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot as a side or even as a main dish with cornbread or rice.

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Notes

This Southern Cabbage recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can keep it vegetarian by using olive oil and vegetable broth, or go traditional with bacon drippings and smoked sausage. The broth helps to steam and flavor the cabbage, making it more tender and savory. For a slightly sweet variation, try adding a teaspoon of sugar while cooking to enhance the natural sweetness of the cabbage.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pan: This can lead to uneven cooking and soggy cabbage. Use a large enough skillet to allow room for stirring.
• Overcooking: Cabbage should be tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on the cooking time.
• Not seasoning enough: Cabbage is mild and benefits from generous seasoning. Taste and adjust as you go.
• Skipping aromatics: Onion and garlic add essential flavor depth. Don’t leave them out.
• Cooking on too high heat: A slow simmer allows the flavors to meld better without burning or drying out the dish.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 200mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cabbage is best for this dish?

Green cabbage is ideal—it’s sturdy and holds up well to simmering without becoming mushy.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely. Use olive oil instead of butter and swap chicken broth with vegetable broth.

How do I add meat to this recipe?

Cook chopped bacon or sausage first, remove and set aside, then use the rendered fat to cook the cabbage. Add the meat back in during simmering.

Can I freeze Southern Cabbage?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, cool completely, transfer to airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has mild heat from the red pepper flakes, which are optional. Adjust to your preference.

What dishes go well with Southern Cabbage?

It’s great with cornbread, fried chicken, black-eyed peas, pork chops, or rice.

Can I use red cabbage instead?

Red cabbage is more firm and has a different flavor—it’s not ideal for this soft, buttery dish.

How can I make it sweeter?

Add a teaspoon of sugar or sauté a bit of grated carrot with the onion.

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Conclusion

Southern Cabbage is a comforting, flavorful side that brings the warmth of the South right to your plate. Whether you make it hearty with smoked meats or keep it light and vegan, this dish is all about bringing people together over soul-satisfying, simple cooking. With just a few ingredients and a bit of care, you’ll turn an everyday vegetable into a standout dish everyone will remember.

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