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Smothered cabbage is a classic Southern style side dish. Cabbage smothered with smoked meat, garlic, onion and spices for a side dish without leftovers.
Step into the heart of the South and get ready to fall head over heels for a timeless classic – smothered cabbage. Bursting with flavor and steeped in tradition, this Southern favorite is a true comfort food that will warm your soul. Whether you’re a cabbage fanatic or a skeptic, this dish is guaranteed to win you over.
Picture tender cabbage leaves, slow-cooked to perfection, bathed in a savory broth infused with flavors of smoked meat and aromatic onions – a symphony of tastes that will transport you to a porch swing on a lazy summer afternoon. The simplicity of the ingredients and the depth of the flavors make this dish a standout on any table.
Whether you’re a born-and-raised Southerner or a curious foodie searching for new flavors to savor, smothered cabbage is a dish that will make you fall in love with its Southern charm. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover why this timeless classic has stood the test of time.
How To Make Smothered Cabbage
Ingredients needed
- Cabbage
- Smoked meat
- Onion
- Garlic
- Salt & black pepper
Helpful tips before starting the recipe
- Any smoked meat will work for this recipe. In the photos, I used smoked turkey necks. But, turkey wings, leg and even smoked pork will work. The trick is the smoking and the salt from the meat is what seasons the cabbage when smothering.
- You do not want to have the stove or pot super hot for this recipe. For smothered cabbage you will need time. No it is not a slow cooked recipe but it isn’t made to cook in 5 minutes either.
Making the smothered cabbage recipe
- First, add the smoked meat to a pot of water (about 4 cup) and bring to a boil then lower the temperature to medium low and allow the pot to simmer covered for 30 minutes. This will be the broth for the smothered cabbage.
- While the meat is boiling prep the other ingredients. Once the meat is finished you can shred the meat from the bones or wait until the entire recipe is finished. But, the meat goes great with the cabbage when serving.
- In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic together. Once browned, fragrant and softened add the water from the boiled meat. Add the meat and the large bones (flavor is still there) inside the pot.Then, add the sliced cabbage right on top.
- Now, cover the pot and allow the cabbage to cook on medium for about 15-20 minutes or until your desired texture for the cabbage. Season to taste before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is smothered cabbage?
Smothering food* is a method very similar to braising. With the exception it’s used on the stove top. The food is cooked on a low heat with liquid until things are tender then served.
What are the best meats to use?
A southern classic are ham hocks or bacon. The salts and flavors from these meats make the best broth for things like smothered cabbage or collard greens. For this recipe smoked turkey necks where used. But, smoked turkey wings and legs are great options especially when it’s time to remove the meat from the bones.
What to serve with smothered cabbage?
- Crockpot Ranch Chicken
- Ritz Cracker Chicken
- Crockpot Crack Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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Smothered Cabbage
Smothered cabbage is a classic Southern style side dish. Cabbage smothered with smoked meat, garlic, onion and spices for a side dish without leftovers.
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Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 serving
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, sliced
- 1 package smoked meat (I used smoked turkey necks)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
First, add the smoked meat to a pot of water (about 4 cup) and bring to a boil then lower the temperature to medium low and allow the pot to simmer covered for 30 minutes. This will be the broth for the smothered cabbage.
While the meat is boiling prep the other ingredients. Once the meat is finished you can shred the meat from the bones or wait until the entire recipe is finished. But, the meat goes great with the cabbage when serving.
In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic together. Once browned, fragrant and softened add the water from the boiled meat. Add the meat and the large bones (flavor is still there) inside the pot.Then, add the sliced cabbage right on top.
Now, cover the pot and allow the cabbage to cook on medium for about 15-20 minutes or until your desired texture for the cabbage. Season to taste before serving.
Keyword Smothered Cabbage
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