Cabbage with Bacon and Cream

With St. Paddy's Day less than 3 weeks away, the Progressive Eats bloggers have come together this month to share a menu fit for the occassion. Whether  you want something traditional, something with an Irish twist, or something green—we've got some recipes that you're bound to enjoy!

In my quest to add more side dish recipes here on the blog, I signed up to bring this simple creamed cabbage with bacon that is adapted slightly from Rachel Allen, who I was fortunate to meet (along with husband, Isaac and mother-in-law, Darina) when I visited Ballymaloe in County Cork, Ireland back in 2012.

I fell in love with Ireland the moment my I saw the patchwork quilt made from different shades of green and short, cobbled walls from the window of the plane as we flew into Dublin. The people that we met were all so welcoming and gracious, and the food ranged from fancy restaurant fare to down home peasant food, otherwise known as comfort food...or my favorite food.

I've made several things inspired directly from my visit, including this brown bread, this whiskey and cherry ice cream, and this whiskey-soaked fruit cake. I didn't actually eat any cabbage while I was there, though I did have plenty of amazing Irish bacon. However, I can't (easily or cheaply) get my hands on good Irish bacon, so I used regular streaky bacon (which is what Rachel's original recipe calls for anyway).

While fast and simple to make, this side dish is actually quite rich, and I found myself wanting to eat a larger serving as a meal, instead of using it as a side dish. Check out my other Irish recipes and the rest of the menu below for more St. Paddy's Day recipe ideas!

Welcome to Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. This month we're sharing Irish or Green recipes in anticipation of St. Patrick's Day You’ll certainly find a delicious recipe to add to your repertoire! Our event is hosted by Liz who blogs at That Skinny Chick Can Bake. We have a full menu of dishes including appetizers, sides, an entree and desserts. You’ll certainly find a delicious recipe to add to your holiday table!

If you're unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location. With Progressive Eats, a theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out.

St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

Appetizers

• Smoked Salmon Stuffed Baby Potatoes from The Redhead Baker

• Spinach Feta Rugelach from Mother Would Know

Drinks

• Hot Cocoa with Baileys and Coconut Whipped Cream (Dairy-Free) from The Wimpy Vegetarian

Main Course

• Spicy Lamb Cobbler from Spice Roots

Bread

• Irish Soda Biscuits with Caraway and Thyme from OMG! Yummy

Veggies/Side Dishes

• Bacon and Leek Irish Colcannon (Gluten-Free) from The Heritage Cook

• Cabbage with Bacon and Cream from All Roads Lead to the Kitchen

Desserts

• Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

• Irish Whiskey Cake from Creative Culinary

yield: serves 6-8Author: Heather Schmitt-Gonzalezprint recipe

Cabbage with Bacon and Cream

prep time: 10 MINScook time: 15 MINStotal time: 25 mins

This simple yet luxurious side dish is the perfect accompaniment to roast pork or chicken. Add it to your St. Paddy's Day menu!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ounces unsalted butter
• 6 slices bacon, sliced
• 1 large head of green cabbage, quartered, peeled, and thinly shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• sea salt (I like garlic sea salt here)
• freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Melt the butter in a deep frying pan set over high heat, add bacon, and fry until crisp, 4-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to paper towels.
2. Reduce heat to medium-high, then add the cabbage, garlic, and water to pan with the fat (it will look like a lot, but that's good). Cook until wilted and tender, tossing frequently, 10-12 minutes.
3. Return the bacon to the pan and pour in the cream. Bring to a bubble for a few minutes, until slightly thickened. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.

http://www.allroadsleadtothe.kitchen/2017/02/cabbage-with-bacon-and-cream.html

©All Roads Lead to the Kitchen. Slightly adapted from Rachel's Irish Family Food cookbook.

Created using The Recipes Generator

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