why make this recipe
This dish is simple and warm. It uses few ingredients and fills the table fast. It is cheap and tastes like home. It works for family meals and cold nights.
introduction
Traditional Irish Boiled Bacon and Cabbage is a plain, honest meal. You cook salted bacon with vegetables in one pot. The meat gives the vegetables nice flavor. For a small bacon snack idea to try another day, see Parmesan candied bacon crackers.
how to make Traditional Irish Boiled Bacon and Cabbage
Start by simmering the salted bacon in a large pot of water until the meat is tender. Add hard vegetables like potatoes and carrots next, then add cabbage later so it does not get too soft. Keep the heat low and cook until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through. Serve right away with a simple sauce or mustard.
Ingredients :
- salted bacon
- cabbage
- potatoes
- carrots
- parsley sauce or wholegrain mustard
Directions :
- In a large pot, add salted bacon and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Add chopped cabbage, potatoes, and carrots to the pot.
- Cook until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, drizzled with parsley sauce or wholegrain mustard.
how to serve Traditional Irish Boiled Bacon and Cabbage
Slice the bacon and place it with the cabbage and vegetables on a plate. Spoon parsley sauce over the meat or offer wholegrain mustard on the side. Serve with buttered brown bread or boiled potatoes if you want more starch.
how to store Traditional Irish Boiled Bacon and Cabbage
Cool the leftovers quickly. Put in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a little water or stock to keep the meat moist. Do not leave the dish at room temperature for more than two hours.
tips to make Traditional Irish Boiled Bacon and Cabbage
- Rinse excess salt from the bacon if it is very salty.
- Cook bacon first to make a clear broth.
- Add cabbage last to keep it from getting mushy.
- Use even-size potato pieces so they cook at the same time.
- Save the cooking liquid for soup stock or to boil rice.
variation (if any)
- Use unsmoked pork shoulder or ham if you cannot find salted bacon.
- Add a bay leaf and a few peppercorns to the water for a mild spice boost.
- Replace parsley sauce with a simple butter, lemon, and parsley mix.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh bacon instead of salted bacon?
A: Yes. Fresh bacon will work, but do not add extra salt. Taste the broth before seasoning.
Q: How long can I keep the cooked dish in the fridge?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Q: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the bacon first if you like, then cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add cabbage in the last hour.
Q: Is this dish healthy?
A: It has vegetables and protein, but salted bacon can be high in sodium. Use leaner cuts or rinse the bacon to lower salt.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: You can freeze the meat and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Traditional Irish Boiled Bacon and Cabbage
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Irish
- Diet: Pork
Description
A simple and warm traditional Irish dish made by simmering salted bacon with vegetables.
Ingredients
- Salted bacon
- Cabbage
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Parsley sauce or wholegrain mustard
Instructions
- In a large pot, add salted bacon and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 60 minutes.
- Add chopped cabbage, potatoes, and carrots to the pot.
- Cook until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot, drizzled with parsley sauce or wholegrain mustard.
Notes
Rinse excess salt from bacon if it is very salty. Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
