Fried Cabbage

Fried cabbage? Wondering how you can fry cabbage? It doesn't seem possible but it is. But not in the same way one would imagine when they think of fried foods.

Fried cabbage gets its name, not from a deep fryer or oil. It is actually derived from the use of a frying pan. So in all actuality we are pan frying fresh cabbage.

Cabbage is an excellent source of antioxidants and Vitamin C. It is known to help prevent cancer and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Cabbage that is eaten in its natural state, raw, contains juices called glutamine which helps treat peptic ulcers.

Cabbage is available at the Greenwood farmers market near Winona during the warmer months. In the fall and winter seasons cabbage must be purchased at either SuperValu in town or at Spain's and Wal-mart .

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cabbage, chopped into 1" pieces
• 1 stick of butter
• 1 medium sized onion, chopped
• ½ cup of water

Directions:

1. Remove outer leaves from cabbage. ( Discard or throw them onto the compost heap in the corner of the garden. )
2. Cut cabbage in half, then in half again.
3. Remove the core. ( This part can also be discarded as you see fit. )
4. Chop cabbage into 1" pieces.
5. Pile all the cabbage into a large frying pan.
6. Peel the skin from the onion.
7. Cut the onion into quarters.
8. Then chop into small cubes.
9. Pile the chopped onion over the top of the chopped cabbage in the frying pan.
10. Add one stick of butter and place it whole on top of the onions.
11. Pour the water over the entire mixture.
12. Cover the frying pan. ( If the lid does not meet the edges of the pan do not be concerned. The lid will form a seal once the cabbage starts to reduce. )
13. Turn the heat to medium for half an hour.
14. Stir contents of frying pan.
15. Recover pan.
16. Allow cabbage and onions to cook and stir every 15 minutes until the entire mixture is reduced. ( The lid will fit properly now. )
17. Now lower the heat to a simmer and allow cabbage to cook down further.
18. Always keep frying pan lid on throughout the whole cooking process.
19. Every half hour stir the contents of the frying pan.
20. This may take 1 - 2 hours.
21. Since you have to stir the cabbage every half hour you'll be constantly checking its cooking progress.
22. Once the cabbage and onions turn a deep golden brown or caramel color the cooking process is complete.
23. Turn off the stove.
24. Add the salt, pepper; onion and garlic powder here if you wish to include these spices. ( Optional )
25. Stir spices into the fried cabbage mixture.
26. Recover pan and let sit for 5 minutes.
27. Transfer the fried cabbage to a serving bowl; it is now ready to eat.
28. Enjoy!

Suggestions:

• Savoy cabbage is a sweeter cabbage. This dish does taste better with this particular cabbage when it is available. ( Not all areas carry it, although your basic cabbage turns out just as tasty. )
• A great side dish to any meal.
• Terrific change from boiled cabbage when preparing corned beef.
• Place left-over cabbage in an air-tight container and refrigerate.
• To reheat, you can microwave or place cabbage back into a frying pan. Add a little splash of water to the cabbage when it is being reheated no matter which heating process you choose.
• Crumple some bacon over the top to give it a little smoky flavor.