Savoy Cabbage With Bacon: A Chef’s Comfort Food Classic

The scent of bacon sizzling always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She had a knack for transforming simple ingredients into something truly special, and her braised cabbage was legendary. While she typically used green cabbage, I found that the slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor of Savoy cabbage elevates the dish to a new level of deliciousness. This recipe, inspired by her down-to-earth cooking, combines the smoky richness of bacon with the subtle sweetness of Savoy cabbage, creating a deeply satisfying and comforting meal.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon (preferably applewood-smoked)
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 4 small tender leeks, thinly sliced (split, & rinsed)
• 1 large savoy cabbage, thinly sliced (core removed)
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1⁄4 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup cooked white beans or (15 7/8 ounce) can white beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon finely julienned fresh sage
• 3 tablespoons finely julienned snipped chives or 3 tablespoons finely julienned scallions
• Fresh coarse black pepper, to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

Equipment Needed

• 12-inch non-stick skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the bacon in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the bacon is nice and crisp, approximately 3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning, adjusting the heat if necessary.

2. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. This will help maintain its crispness.

3. Carefully drain off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the skillet. The rendered bacon fat is a key flavor component, so don’t discard it all!

4. Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper, and thinly sliced leeks to the skillet. Cook until fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.

5. Add the thinly sliced Savoy cabbage, low sodium chicken broth, and dry white wine to the skillet.

6. Gently toss all the ingredients to combine, ensuring the cabbage is evenly coated with the broth and wine mixture.

7. Simmer the mixture until the cabbage is just beginning to wilt, about 3 minutes. Don’t overcook the cabbage; you want it to retain some of its texture.

8. While the cabbage simmers, crumble the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces.

9. Toss the cooked cabbage mixture with the crumbled bacon, finely julienned fresh sage, and chives or scallions.

10. Season generously with fresh coarse black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a pinch of salt if necessary, but be mindful that the bacon and chicken broth already contain salt.

11. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For even more depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar towards the end of cooking. The acidity will balance the richness of the bacon.
• If you don’t have dry white wine on hand, you can substitute with additional chicken broth or even a tablespoon of lemon juice.
• To save time, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits, but the flavor won’t be quite as intense as using freshly cooked bacon.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the bacon. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it gets crispy and browns evenly.
• If you want a creamier dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche just before serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Savoy cabbage and bacon dish immediately while it’s still warm and the bacon is crispy. It makes a wonderful side dish to roasted meats or poultry. It can also be served as a light supper on its own with some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Be aware that the bacon may lose some of its crispness upon reheating. Freezing is not recommended as the cabbage will become mushy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	210.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	41 g	19%
Total Fat	4.6 g	7%
Saturated Fat	1.4 g	7%
Cholesterol	5.4 mg	1%
Sodium	107.7 mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	32.1 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	5.8 g	23%
Sugars	4 g	N/A
Protein	9.7 g	19%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and use smoked paprika to add a smoky flavor. Increase the amount of olive oil used in place of the bacon fat.
• Vegan: In addition to omitting the bacon, ensure the chicken broth is replaced with vegetable broth.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
• Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as diced carrots, celery, or potatoes.
• Beans: Experiment with different types of beans, such as cannellini beans or kidney beans.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use green cabbage instead of Savoy cabbage?
A: Yes, you can. Green cabbage will work, but Savoy cabbage has a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor.

Q: How do I properly clean leeks?
A: Leeks tend to trap dirt between their layers. Slice them thinly, then separate the layers and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cabbage mixture ahead of time, but it’s best to add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Q: What if I don’t have white wine?
A: You can substitute with additional chicken broth or a tablespoon of lemon juice.

Q: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the garlic and reduce the heat if it starts to brown too quickly. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or wine to the pan to deglaze and prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with care and attention, can create something truly extraordinary. I encourage you to try this Savoy cabbage with bacon dish and experience the comforting flavors for yourself. Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking and don’t hesitate to share your feedback. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a hearty loaf of bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!