Hot Cabbage
Hot Cabbage offers a savory blend of tender cabbage, crispy bacon, and tangy tomatoes, perfect for comforting family meals or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crispy, then set aside and crumble or chop.
- Slice the cabbage.
- Add the cabbage to the bacon drippings in the skillet or pot.
- Pour in the vinegar and add the Ro-tel tomatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld, about 15-20 minutes.
- Sprinkle the cooked bacon on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or onions to the bacon drippings before adding the cabbage. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with olive oil and smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor. Also, using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar can add a nice sweetness to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot cabbage alongside grilled meats or as a hearty side to dishes like Pork Chop Apple Skillet. It also pairs well with cornbread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a more filling option, consider serving it over rice or quinoa.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also add a splash of water to help steam the cabbage and prevent it from drying out during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Cabbage contains roughly 97 calories, with 5g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, you can use green or savoy cabbage as alternatives. However, keep in mind that red cabbage may alter the color and flavor slightly. Just make sure to slice it thinly to ensure even cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil or vegetable broth for sautéing the cabbage. Adding smoked paprika can help mimic the smoky flavor typically provided by bacon.
How can I adjust the spice level of the dish?
To adjust the spice level, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Ro-tel tomatoes. For a milder flavor, choose the original Ro-tel instead of the spicy version, or simply reduce the amount of tomatoes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).