Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

Recipe View 10 mins Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients, ensuring the cabbage is thinly sliced for even cooking. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Render Bacon: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving the rendered bacon fat in the pot. Set the bacon aside. (Cook time: 8-10 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Caramelize Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and deeply caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, stirring until fragrant. (Cook time: 9-11 minutes)

Recipe View 10 mins Sauté Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the pot and stir to combine with the caramelized onions and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to wilt and soften, about 8-10 minutes. (Cook time: 8-10 minutes)

Recipe View 30 mins Season and Simmer: Season the cabbage mixture with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded, about 25-30 minutes. (Cook time: 25-30 minutes)

Recipe View 5 mins Combine and Serve: Stir in the crispy bacon during the last 5 minutes of cooking to warm through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot as a comforting side dish or hearty vegetarian main course.