Savory German Cabbage and Potato Skillet
Experience the heartwarming flavors of traditional German cuisine with this Savory German Cabbage and Potato Skillet. This delicious dish blends tender cabbage—either crisp savoy or vibrant green—with creamy diced potatoes, seasoned to perfection with cumin and a hint of cayenne pepper. Finished off with a savory bacon and onion mix, this comforting meal brings hearty satisfaction to the table. Perfect for pairing with fried sausages, pork chops, or even as a delightful stand-alone vegetarian option topped with warm kielbasa. Embrace cozy nights with this rustic masterpiece that showcases simplicity and flavor in every bite.
6
Servings
240
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cabbage
3.5 lbs (Remove outer leaves, core, and cut into strips)
Potatoes
1.75 lbs (Wash, peel, and dice into 3/4 inch cubes)
Water
1 cup (N/A)
Cumin seeds
2 teaspoons (Whole)
Bay leaf
1 (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Adjust according to taste)
Cayenne pepper
1/8-1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Oil
1 teaspoon (For frying)
Onions
2 medium (Diced)
Bacon
6 ounces (Cut into 1/4 inch dice)
Parsley
3 tablespoons (Minced (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the cabbage: Remove any dark or damaged outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters and carefully remove the core. Slice the cabbage crosswise into 1/8 inch strips, wash thoroughly, and drain, discarding any thick ribs.
2
Next, wash, peel, and chop the potatoes into 3/4 inch cubes.
3
In a large pot, combine the diced potatoes, salt, cumin, bay leaf, and water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes, until the potatoes are just tender.
4
Once the potatoes are ready, gently fold in the cabbage. Stir well, cover, and simmer over medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to achieve a tender cabbage with some bite while allowing most of the liquid to evaporate. If necessary, add a bit of hot water if the pot runs dry before the cabbage cooks through, adding in batches as needed.
5
While the cabbage and potatoes are cooking, prepare the bacon mixture: Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and fry until it turns lightly golden, then add the diced onions. Continue cooking until the bacon is crisp and the onions are golden brown, approximately 12 minutes. Remove from heat and drain excess fat.
6
After the cabbage and potatoes are cooked, ensure the mixture is only moist (not watery). If there's excess liquid, increase the heat to evaporate it, stirring often. Remove from heat, then mix in cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and most of the bacon mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine and adjust seasoning if desired.
7
To serve, dish out the cabbage and potato mixture onto plates and generously top with the remaining bacon mixture. Garnish with minced parsley, if using, for added color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
12.7g
Fat
25.7g
Carbs
6.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory German Cabbage and Potato Skillet?
It is a traditional German comfort dish featuring tender cabbage, creamy potatoes, and savory bacon seasoned with cumin and cayenne.
What kind of cabbage is best for this recipe?
You can use either crisp savoy cabbage or vibrant green cabbage for the best results.
How should I prepare the cabbage?
Remove dark outer leaves, core the cabbage, and slice it crosswise into 1/8 inch strips, discarding thick ribs.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for creamy potatoes diced into 3/4 inch cubes; varieties like Yukon Gold work well for a creamy texture.
Do the potatoes need to be peeled?
Yes, the instructions recommend washing, peeling, and then chopping the potatoes.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with cumin seeds, a bay leaf, salt, cayenne pepper, and a touch of lemon juice.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The potatoes should boil in water with seasoning for about 15 minutes until they are just tender.
When do I add the cabbage to the pot?
Fold the cabbage into the pot once the potatoes have finished their initial 15-minute boil.
How long should the cabbage simmer?
The cabbage should simmer for 7 to 10 minutes until it is tender but still has some bite.
What should I do if the water evaporates too quickly?
If the pot runs dry before the cabbage is cooked, add a bit of hot water in small batches as needed.
How do I prepare the bacon mixture?
Fry 1/4 inch diced bacon in oil until golden, then add diced onions and cook until crisp and golden brown.
How long does it take to cook the bacon and onions?
It takes approximately 12 minutes to achieve the desired crispness for the bacon and onions.
Should I drain the bacon fat?
Yes, once the bacon and onions are cooked, remove them from the heat and drain the excess fat.
What should I do if there is excess liquid in the cabbage pot?
Increase the heat and stir often to evaporate the excess liquid until the mixture is moist but not watery.
When should I add the cayenne pepper and lemon juice?
Add these ingredients after removing the cabbage and potato mixture from the heat.
How much bacon is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of bacon, cut into 1/4 inch dice.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 hearty servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, it can be served as a vegetarian option by omitting the bacon or using a plant-based substitute.
What can I serve with this cabbage and potato skillet?
It pairs perfectly with fried sausages, pork chops, or warm kielbasa.
What is the role of cumin in this dish?
Cumin seeds provide an earthy, traditional German flavor profile that complements the cabbage.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 12.7g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 25.7g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
There is 6.3g of protein per serving.
Is parsley required?
Parsley is optional and used as a garnish for added color and flavor.
Can I use oil instead of butter for the bacon?
The recipe specifically suggests using 1 teaspoon of oil to fry the bacon.
How much cabbage is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 3.5 lbs of cabbage.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
While it uses a pot and a skillet, it is often categorized as a one-pot style meal because of its rustic, all-in-one nature.
Can I substitute lemon juice?
If needed, a light vinegar like apple cider vinegar could serve as a substitute for the acidity of lemon juice.