Southern Cooked Cabbage is a dish that warms the heart and soul, bringing the rich flavors of the South right to your table. Savor the rich, comforting flavors of Southern Cooked Cabbage, simmered with smoked meat, tender vegetables, and a hint of spice. Perfect as a hearty side or main dish, this recipe is a staple in Southern cuisine. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this easy Southern cabbage preparation will delight your taste buds and fill your home with a delicious aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Cooked Cabbage

There are countless reasons why this Southern cooked cabbage is a must-try. First, it’s a healthy Southern cabbage side dish packed with nutrients. It’s also an incredible comfort food that embodies the essence of Southern cooking. The dish can be made in under an hour, making it a perfect quick Southern cabbage side recipe for busy weeknights. Additionally, it pairs well with various proteins, making it versatile. Finally, it’s an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while savoring Southern-style cabbage flavors. You’ll find this traditional Southern cabbage recipe becomes a favorite.

Ingredients for Southern Cooked Cabbage

Gather these items:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 large onion
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple juice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 g) sugar

How to Make Southern Cooked Cabbage Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Select a large, fresh head of cabbage and remove the outer leaves.
2. Step 2: Slice the cabbage into quarters and cut out the core.
3. Step 3: Chop the quarters into bite-sized pieces and rinse under cold water.
4. Step 4: Drain the chopped cabbage in a colander until dry.
5. Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
6. Step 6: Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Step 7: Optional: Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
8. Step 8: Stir in the chopped cabbage and pour in the vegetable broth.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional vinegar and sugar.
10. Step 10: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover the pot to simmer for 30-45 minutes.
11. Step 11: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving warm.
12. Step 12: Ladle into bowls, garnish, and enjoy with cornbread or rice.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Southern Cooked Cabbage

Keep these in mind:

• Use fresh cabbage for the best flavor.
• Don’t rush the simmering process; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• For a heartier dish, add smoked meat or bacon during cooking.
• Season to taste towards the end for the best flavor balance.

Best Ways to Serve Southern Cooked Cabbage

This delicious Southern cabbage dish can be served in various ways. Pair it with cornbread for a true Southern comfort food experience. It also complements a variety of proteins such as fried chicken, pork chops, or even Southern cabbage with ham. For a vegetarian option, serve it over rice to create a filling meal.

How to Store and Reheat Southern Cooked Cabbage

To store leftovers, allow the cabbage to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Cooked Cabbage

What’s the secret to perfect Southern Cooked Cabbage?

The secret lies in the simmering time and the seasoning. Allowing the cabbage to simmer lets the flavors develop fully, creating a rich, savory dish that embodies Southern cooking.

Can I make Southern Cooked Cabbage ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Southern Cooked Cabbage?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure that you don’t overcook the cabbage; it should be tender but still have a bit of crunch. Adjust the seasoning at the end for the best flavor.

Variations of Southern Cooked Cabbage You Can Try

For a twist on this classic recipe, consider adding ingredients like diced tomatoes for a Southern-style sautéed cabbage. You could also try adding a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat, or incorporate different spices like paprika or cumin to discover your own unique flavor profile. Another great option is to make a Southern cabbage and bacon dish, which adds a smoky depth to the dish.

For more information on the nutritional benefits of cabbage, check out this Healthline article.

To learn more about the versatility of cabbage in various dishes, visit The Joy of Vegetable Gardening.

For additional recipes that pair well with Southern Cooked Cabbage, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil.

Southern Cooked Cabbage: 7 Comforting Secrets Revealed

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Savor the rich, comforting flavors of Southern Cooked Cabbage, simmered with smoked meat, tender vegetables, and a hint of spice. Perfect as a hearty side or main dish!

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 large onion
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple juice vinegar
• 1 tbsp (15 g) sugar

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Instructions

1. Select a large, fresh head of cabbage and remove the outer leaves.
2. Slice the cabbage into quarters and cut out the core.
3. Chop the quarters into bite-sized pieces and rinse under cold water.
4. Drain the chopped cabbage in a colander until dry.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
6. Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Optional: Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
8. Stir in the chopped cabbage and pour in the vegetable broth.
9. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional vinegar and sugar.
10. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and cover the pot to simmer for 30-45 minutes.
11. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving warm.
12. Ladle into bowls, garnish, and enjoy with cornbread or rice.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg