Fried-Smothered Cabbage w/ Smoked Bacon and Dill

Fried-Smothered Cabbage. Um. Give me a hot bowl of this stuff and a stick of hotwater cornbread. . .don't tell me heaven's not on earth! My 'Aint Ella' made the best Fried-Smothered Cabbage that I have ever tasted. I don't know what she does to it but it is the best. Sorry moma. I do know that she puts a couple of strips of bell pepper in hers. That much I remember.

I don't cook it like 'Aint Ella' but I like my version just fine. She would probably whoop my butt though, if she saw me put 'Dill' in it but I find it adds a little sumptin', sumptin'.

Whatever the case I think you'll enjoy the flavors. Cabbage is best if you don't over cook it and can taste better the next day. Pick heads that are tight and blemish free. If you can find them with a good covering of nice, dark green leaves that's even better and they add beautiful color contrast to the dish. I find that farmer's markets carry the best selections.

You know, there is an old 'Madere' tale that one should never eat cabbage after 6pm. The gas it supposedly causes in your stomach will keep you up at night. I don't know about that. A small saucer full of hot cabbage at night made me sleep just fine. Juuuusssst fine.

Call me weird.


Fried Cabbage w/ Smoked Bacon & Dill

In a 12 in cast iron skillet, fry over medium-low heat til slightly crisp:

4-5 slices of thick-cut, smoked, streaked bacon cut into pieces.

Leave drippings (flavor) in the skillet and add a tablespoon or two of olive oil if enough fat did not render off. Do Not Burn!

Add:

1 medium, halved & sliced yellow onion
1/2 small bell pepper sliced into strips.

Saute for 2 minutes.

Then Add:

1/2 of large head of cabbage, sliced into 3/4 to 1 inch wide strips
1 T of sugar
1/2 tsp of dried dill weed
A pinch of red pepper flakes
A pinch of kosher salt if needed
A good pinch of black pepper

Frying on medium-low, turn cabbage in drippings and cook for about 5-7 minutes.

Add:

1/4 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth, cover and smother on low heat til desired doneness (about 8-10 minutes). Do not over cook or vegetable will become mushy.

Serves 3-4 people