Swamp Cabbage Is the Southern Dish You Need To Make

Swamp Cabbage Is the Southern Dish You Need To Make

from simplyrecipes.com
70 min

Swamp cabbage is a classic Florida dish that braises the state’s native hearts of palm alongside green cabbage. In this recipe, the tender veggies and smoky bacon are glazed in a flavor-packed, just-a-bit spicy sauce for a unique main dish or versatile side.

Ingredients

  • 12 slices (12 ounces) thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun or Creole seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
  • 1 medium green cabbage (about 3 pounds), cored and coarsely chopped
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans hearts of palm, drained and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick coins
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Directions

  1. 1

    Crisp the bacon: Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy, about 12 minutes.

  2. 2

    Add the aromatics: Add the onions and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Cook the cabbage and add the hearts of palm: Stir in the cabbage, tomatoes, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is just tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in the hearts of palm and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Finish and serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaf and stir in the apple cider vinegar. Season to taste with additional red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a Dutch oven or saucepan, adding some water to loosen it up as needed. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!