Description
Tender and flavorful, this Southern-style slow cooked cabbage is simmered with onions, garlic, and butter for a comforting, nostalgic side dish with rich, sweet depth.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 lb / 900 g), cored and roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or beef tallow
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium heat and add the butter or beef tallow. Let it melt and become lightly golden.
- Add sliced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Toss well to coat in the fat and aromatics.
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Pour in water or vegetable broth. Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Cook slowly for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the cabbage is very soft and slightly golden in spots.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use a heavy skillet like cast iron for best flavor development.
- Don’t rush the process—low and slow cooking brings out the cabbage’s sweetness.
- Add a splash more liquid if the skillet dries out during cooking.
- Leftovers make a great addition to grain bowls or noodles.
- Try clarified butter or ghee for deeper richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
