Southern-style cuisine is known for its heartiness and rich flavors, and one dish that epitomizes this is the classic Southern Cabbage recipe. This soul food staple has been enjoyed for generations, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. If you're looking to add some Southern flair to your cooking repertoire, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this beloved dish and share a mouth-watering recipe that will have your taste buds dancing.
Cabbage is a staple in Southern cooking, and for good reason. It's a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, from steamed to fried to soups and stews. In this article, we'll share 20 delicious recipes for Southern cabbage that will have your taste buds singing.
One of the most classic ways to prepare cabbage in the South is by frying it. This simple recipe calls for frying thinly sliced cabbage in a pan with butter and bacon. The result is a crispy, flavorful dish that pairs well with any main course.
If you're short on time but still want a delicious side dish, this easy Southern fried cabbage recipe is for you. Simply chop up a head of cabbage and sauté it with onions, garlic, and a touch of butter. Serve it alongside your favorite protein for a quick and tasty meal.
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Southern Fried Cabbage with Onions
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Medium Onion, Garlic, Cabbage, Sea
Onions are a staple in Southern cooking, and they add a delicious depth of flavor to this fried cabbage recipe. Simply fry up some cabbage and onions with a bit of butter and garlic for a dish that will have your family coming back for seconds.
If you prefer your cabbage cooked a bit more, this Southern cooked cabbage recipe is perfect. It calls for boiling the cabbage in a pot with chicken broth, butter, and spices until it's tender and flavorful. Serve it as a side dish or add it to a hearty stew.
Cabbage's leafy cousin, collard greens, are a popular vegetable in Southern cooking. This simple recipe calls for simmering the greens with bacon, onions, and hot sauce for a spicy and delicious side dish.
If you're trying to eat healthier, steaming your cabbage is a great option. This Southern-style steamed cabbage recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to a mix of spices and apple cider vinegar. Plus, it's a great way to get your daily dose of veggies.
If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this Southern pan fried cabbage recipe is a great option. Simply fry up some cabbage in a pan with smoked sausage, onions, and spices for a one-pan meal that's sure to be a hit.
On a chilly day, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm bowl of soup. This Southern-style cabbage soup is packed with potatoes, carrots, and sausage, making it a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for the whole family.
We can't talk about Southern cabbage recipes without mentioning the classic fried cabbage recipe. This version calls for frying the cabbage in bacon grease for a rich and savory flavor that pairs well with any main dish.
For a simple and delicious side dish, try this Southern-style cabbage recipe. It calls for cooking cabbage with onions, bell peppers, and garlic for a flavorful and colorful dish that's perfect for any occasion.
If you're looking for a unique spin on a classic appetizer, these Southern-style deviled eggs are a must-try. They're made with a blend of mayonnaise, mustard, and hot sauce for a tangy and spicy kick.
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Southern, Soul Food Deviled Eggs
Main Ingredients: Eggs, White Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Dukes Mayonnaise
Mac and cheese is a favorite comfort food in the South, and this baked version takes it to the next level. It's made with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella, and topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust for a cheesy and indulgent side dish.
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Southern Soul Food Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Elbow Noodles, Half And Half, Butter, Eggs, Cream
For a hearty and satisfying meal, try this Southern fried cabbage and bacon recipe. It's made with a mix of cabbage, bacon, and potatoes, and seasoned with thyme and rosemary for a delicious and filling dish.
During the holidays, many Southern families enjoy a hearty cornbread dressing as a side dish. This recipe calls for a mix of cornbread, chicken broth, and sage for a savory and comforting dish that's perfect for any festive gathering.
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Cornmeal, Self Rising Flour, Buttermilk
No barbecue or picnic is complete without a side of coleslaw, and this Southern version is a must-try. It's made with a creamy dressing that includes mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar, and pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
For a protein-packed meal, try this Southern fried cabbage with sausage recipe. It's made with a mix of smoked sausage, cabbage, and onions, and seasoned with paprika and thyme for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
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Southern Fried Cabbage With Sausage
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Smoked Sausage, Diced Ham, Large Yellow Onion
Looking for a classic coleslaw recipe? This Southern version is just what you need. It's made with a simple dressing of vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise, and is the perfect side dish for any summer meal.
Collard greens are a popular side dish in the South, and this recipe is one of the best. It calls for simmering the greens with ham hocks, onions, and garlic for a flavorful and hearty dish that's perfect for any occasion.
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Southern Style Collard Greens - Soul Food
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Turkey Necks, Yellow Onion, Water
This hearty and comforting cabbage soup is a staple in many Southern households. It's made with a mix of cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and smoked sausage, and is perfect for a cold winter day.
The History of Southern Cabbage
The Origins
The history of Southern cabbage can be traced back to the early 17th century when African slaves were brought to the American South. These slaves, who were skilled in farming and cooking, introduced their traditional cooking techniques and ingredients to Southern cuisine. Cabbage, a staple in many West African dishes, was readily available and became a popular ingredient in Southern cooking.
Soul Food Staple
As the popularity of Southern cuisine grew, so did the love for Southern cabbage. It became a staple in soul food, a term used to describe the traditional cooking of African Americans in the South. Soul food is known for its use of inexpensive and readily available ingredients, making cabbage an ideal addition to many dishes.
The Key Ingredients
Cabbage
The star of the show, cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is packed with nutrients and has a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. When cooked, it becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients in the dish.
Smoked Meat
Traditionally, smoked meat is used in Southern cabbage recipes to add depth and richness to the dish. This can include smoked ham hocks, bacon, or smoked turkey. The smoky flavor permeates the cabbage, giving it a delicious and distinctive taste.
Seasonings
To give the cabbage its signature Southern flavor, a blend of spices and seasonings is used. This can include salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These seasonings add a kick of heat and depth of flavor to the dish.
The Recipe
Now that you know the history and key ingredients of Southern cabbage, it's time to try it out for yourself. Here's a simple and delicious recipe that is sure to become a family favorite:
Ingredients:
1 large head of cabbage, chopped
1 pound of smoked meat (ham hocks, bacon, or smoked turkey)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
Instructions:
In a large pot, cook the smoked meat over medium heat until browned.
Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir to combine with the meat and onions.
Season the cabbage with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Cover the pot and let the cabbage cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once the cabbage is tender, remove from heat and serve hot.
Final Thoughts
Southern cabbage is a simple yet delicious dish that has stood the test of time. Its roots in African American culture and its popularity in soul food make it a dish that is not only tasty but also rich in history and tradition. So next time you're looking for a comforting and flavorful side dish, give this Southern cabbage recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
