Bacon Braised Cabbage Recipe - Savory Nothings (2024)

FAQs

What is the history of Irish bacon and cabbage? ›

History. Historically, this dish was common fare in Irish homes because the ingredients were readily available as many families grew their own vegetables and reared their own pigs. It was considered nourishing and satisfying. The dish continues to be a very common meal in Ireland.

Wash and drain your cabbage leaves, getting rid of any tough stalks. Add to a large pan of salted boiling water, bring back to the boil then cook on a medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender. Drain well in a colander and leave to cool. Carefully squeeze the cabbage leaves to get rid of any excess moisture.

How long should I boil cabbage? Shredded cabbage will be done in around 5 minutes; for wedges, it'll be done around 10. You want to cook until tender, but err on the side of caution—overcooked cabbage will turn limp and give off a less-than-pleasant smell. Tip: Make sure to drain your cabbage to prevent overcooking!

Cover the basket with a lid and steam until the cabbage is tender and crisp. Most cabbage takes about 5 to 8 minutes. Some varieties like napa, bok choy, and savoy cabbage may only take 3 to 5 minutes. If using a colander, be sure that you leave a little space so the steam can escape.

Irish bacon is traditionally made from the back of the pig as opposed to the pork belly commonly used in American bacon. In this sense it is more similar to Canadian bacon; both Canadian and Irish bacon are referred to as back bacon but the Irish variety has more fat and often cut into a round shape.

IMPORTANT WORD YOU SHOULD LEARN: Rashers. That's Irish slang for bacon.

Heat the oil and a knob of butter in a deep ovenproof saucepan. Add the onion and cabbage and fry for 3-4 minutes. Add the cider and redcurrant jelly, season, bring to the boil and boil for a few minutes. Cover the pan with a lid and place in the oven for 3-4 hours until completely tender.

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

A few whole cloves added to the boiling water for cabbage impart a delicately complementary flavor and aroma and may help to prevent gas during digestion. Other sweet spices that may be carminative include allspice, cinnamon and ginger.

Overcooked cabbage is rather unappetizing as it becomes too soft and attains "that" annoying smell that dissuades many from cooking cabbage.

Can you drink the water from boiled cabbage? ›

Drinking cabbage water can have a positive impact on your digestive system. It contains natural compounds that aid in digestion and help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Cabbage water is also rich in dietary fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements and contributes to a healthy gut.

Simmer, covered, until the cabbage begins to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the cabbage carefully, and continue to simmer until the cabbage is tender, an additional 5 minutes. The cabbage is ready when a small paring knife inserted into the thickest part of the cabbage near the core slides through easily.

Steaming cabbage preserves its color, texture, and nutrients, and presents a natural flavor akin to a confit or a slow barbecue. The flavor of the cabbage, when steamed, is sweet—creating a perfect backdrop for flavors like nutty brown butter, fried almonds, and sherry vinegar.

Savoy cabbage is a versatile cabbage, similar to green cabbage but a bit milder and sweeter, with leaves that are looser and more ruffly. It is also a bit more expensive than regular cabbage.

Whatever cabbage you are using, cut off the dry end of the stalk. If using Hispi, quarter the cabbage lengthways through its core. If using a regular white cabbage, cut it into manageable wedges, again through the core. Steam for about 10 minutes until it looks rather relaxed and easy to cut through.

The Irish immigrants also realized that cabbage was a more readily available vegetable in America than in Ireland, where it was traditionally a fall and winter vegetable. So they combined the corned beef with cabbage to create a hearty, filling meal that was reminiscent of their homeland.

But that tradition didn't start in Ireland. It started here in the US, because in the 19th century, when immigrants were coming over from Ireland, they settled mostly in Jewish neighborhoods, and the Jewish butchers didn't have a lot of bacon to give them, so they switched over to corned beef brisket.

One thing Britain and Ireland are known for is their hearty breakfasts. There are common ingredients between the two countries' early morning feasts, but there are also dishes that are specifically Irish. The full Irish breakfast was created for farm workers so they would be satiated and ready for a full day's work.

And as for pairing cabbage with corned beef, it was simply one of the cheapest vegetables available to Irish immigrants, so it was a side dish that stuck.