Delve into the heart of Irish culinary tradition with this hearty and comforting Bacon and Cabbage recipe. A staple of Irish cuisine, this dish combines savory bacon with tender cabbage, infused with aromatic flavors. This classic preparation, often passed down through generations, is perfect for a rustic family meal.
Ingredients
🥩 1 Piece Collared Bacon, No specific brand available
🥬 1 Head Cabbage, roughly chopped, No specific brand available
🧅 1 Whole Onion, halved, No specific brand available
🥕 2 Carrots, No specific brand available
🌿 A Few Whole Cloves, No specific brand available
🌿 A Few Whole Peppercorns, No specific brand available
🌿 1-2 Bay Leaves, No specific brand available
🧈 1 Knob Butter, No specific brand available
🌶️ A Pinch of Black Pepper, No specific brand available
💧 Water, sufficient amount as needed
Instructions
1- Steep Bacon and Cabbage Overnight:
- Place the bacon in a pot with cold water and let it steep overnight to reduce its saltiness.
- Meanwhile, roughly chop the cabbage, removing outer leaves, and steep it overnight in salt water for easy cleaning. Wash thoroughly the next day.
2- Prepare Bacon:
- Drain and rinse the bacon, then place it in a large pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil.
- Drain the water to further remove excess salt. Refill the pot with fresh water and add the halved onion, carrots, cloves, peppercorns, and bay leaves.
3- Cook Bacon:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour, checking after 40 minutes, until the bacon is succulent and flavorful.
4- Cook Cabbage:
- Midway through bacon cooking, add some cabbage to the bacon pot to infuse it with flavor.
- Once bacon is done, set it aside, and add remaining cabbage to the cooking liquid. Cook for 20-25 minutes until tender.
5- Finalize Dish:
- Drain cabbage using a colander, then return it to the pot. Mash gently with a knife for a soft consistency.
- Stir in the butter and season with black pepper to complete the dish.
6- Serve:
- Remove bacon netting, trim excess fat if desired, and slice into generous portions.
- Serve bacon slices alongside a heap of buttery cabbage, optionally complemented with parsley sauce or colcannon.
Prep Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 1.5 - 2 hours
Total Time: Approximately 1.5 - 2 hours
Servings: Varies based on bacon size and additional butter
Equipment: Large Pot/Stockpot, Kitchen Knife, Carving Fork, White Serving Plate, Serving Spoon, Metal Serving Tray/Platter, Colander, Wooden Chopping Board, Stove
Cooking Tips
- Double-steeping bacon extracts excess salt for a milder flavor.
- Infuse extra flavor into the cooking liquid with spices and herbs.
- Butter and pepper provide all the seasoning needed for the cabbage.
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John Crowe: https://www.youtube.com/@johncroweChef