If you’re skeptical about cabbage, this is the recipe that will turn you into a believer. And if, like me, you already adore cabbage (and are always looking for cabbage recipe ideas ), this simple side will deepen your love. Simply put, Southern-style fried cabbage will forever change the way you think about this basic cruciferous vegetable. Partnered with smoky bacon and cooked alongside onion and smoky paprika, crisp cabbage becomes tender and picks up a mellow sweetness that’ll win you over in just one bite.

Why you’ll love it

Key ingredients in fried cabbage

Storage tip

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.

Fried Cabbage

Serves 4

6 slices bacon (6 ounces), cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

1 small yellow onion, diced

1/2 medium (2- to 3-pound) head green cabbage, chopped into rough 1-inch pieces (8 cups)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Cook six slices chopped bacon in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and most of the fat has rendered out, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Do not discard the grease.

2. Add one diced small yellow onion to the bacon grease and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.

3. Add 1/2 chopped medium head green cabbage, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes.

4. Return the bacon to the skillet and stir into the cabbage. Serve warm.

(Kelli Foster is a culinary producer for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

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