Caramelized Savoy Cabbage with Bacon and Mushroom Medley
This heartwarming recipe features tender savoy cabbage simmered to perfection with smoky bacon and earthy mushrooms, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs wonderfully with creamy polenta or al dente pasta. The long cooking process transforms the cabbage into a buttery delight, while the bacon adds a savory depth and the garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness. Perfect for batch cooking, this dish freezes beautifully, making it an economical and delicious option for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.
6
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Savoy cabbage
1 head (outer leaves removed, cored, quartered, sliced into 1/4-inch strips)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
Thick-cut bacon
8 ounces (cut into 1-inch chunks (about 6 slices))
Garlic
8 cloves (minced or finely sliced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon
Mushrooms
1 pound (sliced)
Water or chicken broth
as needed (for moisture)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the outer leaves from the head of savoy cabbage. Core the cabbage and cut it into quarters, then slice into 1/4-inch strips. You should have approximately 12 cups of sliced cabbage.
2
In a Dutch oven or a heavy large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the thick-cut bacon and minced garlic.
3
Sauté the bacon and garlic together for about 8 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the garlic turns golden and fragrant.
4
Sprinkle in the salt and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Add the sliced mushrooms and about half of the cabbage to the pot. Cover with a lid for around 3 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt down.
5
After the initial wilting, stir the mixture gently and then add the remaining cabbage. Let it wilt again under the lid, stirring occasionally.
6
Once all the cabbage has wilted, remove the lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the vegetables to cook uncovered for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally and adding water or chicken broth as needed to prevent burning and ensure a saucy consistency.
7
When ready to serve, ladle the caramelized cabbage, bacon, and mushroom sauce over prepared polenta or serve it thinly over pasta. This dish not only tastes fantastic when freshly made but also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep and planning.
Nutrition Information
13.3g
Fat
11.7g
Carbs
6.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Caramelized Savoy Cabbage with Bacon and Mushroom Medley, a rich vegetable sauce featuring tender cabbage, smoky bacon, and earthy mushrooms.
How many servings does this cabbage recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the total calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the primary type of cabbage used?
The recipe specifically calls for one head of Savoy cabbage.
How should the Savoy cabbage be prepared before cooking?
Remove outer leaves, core the cabbage, quarter it, and then slice it into 1/4-inch strips.
How much sliced cabbage should I have in total?
You should have approximately 12 cups of sliced cabbage.
What kind of bacon is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch chunks.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 8 cloves of garlic, either minced or finely sliced.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe requires 1 pound of sliced mushrooms.
How long do I sauté the bacon and garlic?
Sauté them together for about 8 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the garlic is golden.
Why is the cabbage added in two stages?
The cabbage is added in stages to allow the first half to wilt down and create space in the pot for the remainder.
How long is the total simmering time for the cabbage?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for at least 1 hour.
Should the pot be covered during the final hour of cooking?
No, the lid should be removed to allow the cabbage to caramelize and the sauce to thicken.
What can I add if the cabbage begins to burn or gets too dry?
You can add water or chicken broth as needed to maintain a saucy consistency and prevent burning.
What are the suggested serving pairings for this dish?
It is delicious served over creamy polenta or al dente pasta.
Can this caramelized cabbage dish be frozen?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for batch cooking and meal prep.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 13.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains 11.7g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 6.7g of protein.
Does this recipe contain any heat or spice?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil.
What kitchen equipment is best for this recipe?
A Dutch oven or a heavy large saucepan is recommended.
How much salt is added to the medley?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What texture does the cabbage achieve after the long cooking process?
The long cooking process transforms the cabbage into a buttery, tender delight.
Is this recipe considered economical?
Yes, it is described as an economical and delicious option for families.
What flavor profile does the bacon add?
The thick-cut bacon adds a savory depth and smoky flavor to the sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 8 ingredients including the liquid for moisture.
Is chicken broth or water better for this recipe?
Both work well; chicken broth will add more savory depth while water is a simpler option.
How often should I stir the cabbage during the simmer?
You should stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
What tags are associated with this recipe for meal planning?
Tags include freezer meal, economical cooking, comfort food, and vegetable sauce.