Southern Sweet and Sour Cabbage

Southern Sweet and Sour Cabbage: A Flavorful Homestyle Delight

Southern cooking is renowned for its bold flavors and comforting dishes, and Sweet and Sour Cabbage is no exception. This classic Southern recipe combines tender cabbage, crispy bacon, and a sweet and tangy sauce to create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own, Sweet and Sour Cabbage is sure to become a staple on your dinner table. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore the rich culinary heritage of the South.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large green cabbage, cored and diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and browned.
2. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
3. Add the thinly sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced cabbage and salt, tossing to coat the cabbage in the bacon fat and onions. Cook the cabbage until it begins to wilt, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the sugar over the cabbage and continue cooking until the sugar begins to caramelize and coat the cabbage, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the cabbage simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until it is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
8. Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired tenderness, stir in the cooked bacon pieces.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or sugar if necessary.
10. Serve the Sweet and Sour Cabbage hot, garnished with additional bacon if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations

• For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked bacon or add a dash of liquid smoke to the cabbage while it cooks.
• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or diced apples for added flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the onions and cabbage instead.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low carb diet, here’s how to adapt this recipe:

• Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce the carb content.
• Use cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage as a low carb alternative to traditional diced cabbage.
• Increase the amount of bacon or add cooked sausage crumbles for extra protein and flavor without adding carbs.
• Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or water to further reduce the carb count.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Sweet and Sour Cabbage ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
2. Can I freeze leftover Sweet and Sour Cabbage? While you can technically freeze leftover cabbage, the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. The cabbage may become softer and lose some of its crunch. If you do choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Cabbage? Sweet and Sour Cabbage pairs well with a variety of main dishes, including roasted chicken, pork chops, or grilled sausages. It also makes a delicious side dish for mashed potatoes or rice.
4. Can I adjust the sweetness and sourness of the cabbage? Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar in the recipe to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter cabbage, add more sugar; if you prefer a tangier cabbage, add more vinegar.
5. Is Sweet and Sour Cabbage gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, be sure to check the labels of any pre-packaged ingredients such as bacon or chicken broth to ensure they are gluten-free.

Sweet and Sour Cabbage is a timeless Southern dish that embodies the flavors of the region with its savory bacon, tangy vinegar, and sweet caramelized sugar. With its simple yet satisfying ingredients, this dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the South. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, Sweet and Sour Cabbage is sure to bring a taste of Southern comfort to your table. So gather your ingredients and prepare to savor the irresistible flavors of this classic Southern recipe.