Side: Apple Cider Steamed Cabbage and Bacon

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook Time: 20 min

Serves (6)

Apple cider brings out the hidden sweetness of cabbage, and makes this dish the perfect side to your next bratwurst filled Oktoberfest. Use in place of sauerkraut as a base for meats, or let stand alone. Balance the sweetness with salty bacon, cracked black pepper, and just a little butter for some flavorful clarity.

Ingredients: 1 head of cabbage, 1 1/2 cups apple cider*, 4-6 oz bacon, 4 tbsp butter, salt, pepper, water

*Can substitute apple juice for cider.

Cut bottom off cabbage. Slice remaining cabbage into strips. Wash and set aside.

Cut bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and cook in large pan over medium heat. We want to take all the flavor with us, so add a handful of cabbage slices and a little water to pan with bacon. Heat over medium-high heat, scraping bottom of pan to release any remaining bacon pieces and juice.

Pour bacon and cabbage mixture into a large pot. Add remaining cabbage, apple cider, butter, and enough water to cover 2/3 of cabbage. Generously sprinkle with salt and pepper (and then more pepper). Mixing cabbage occasionally, partially cover pot with lid and steam over low-medium heat until cabbage is tender (about 15-20 min).