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Salads

Warm Bacon and Cabbage Salad

The Quirky Foodster Team

(0)
10 minutes
Prep
12 minutes
Cook

Ingredients

  • 200 g (7 oz) streaky bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly shredded
  • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • 2 tbsp cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method

  1. Fry the chopped bacon in a dry pan over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes; remove and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of the fat.
  2. Add the shredded cabbage to the same pan and toss over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until just wilted but still with some crunch.
  3. Whisk together mustard, cider vinegar, olive oil and honey to make the dressing.
  4. Transfer the warm cabbage to a serving bowl and toss with the dressing.
  5. Scatter the crisp bacon over the top.
  6. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Introduction: Drawing on the classic pairing of bacon and cabbage central to Irish cooking, this warm salad transforms the traditional combination into a lighter dish, tossing crisp bacon and wilted cabbage with a sharp mustard dressing.

Cultural Background: Drawing on the classic pairing of bacon and cabbage central to Irish cooking, this warm salad transforms the traditional combination into a lighter dish, tossing crisp bacon and wilted cabbage with a sharp mustard dressing.

Tips: Don't overcook the cabbage; a brief toss keeps it vibrant and slightly crisp rather than soft and soggy.

Variations: Toasted walnuts or a crumble of blue cheese make a nice addition. Not authentically vegetarian; a vegetarian version can substitute smoked tempeh or omit the bacon for a mustard-dressed cabbage salad.

Storage: Best served fresh; the cabbage will soften if stored.

Reheating: Not recommended; serve fresh and warm.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx.): 280 kcal, 22g fat, 8g carbohydrate, 13g protein.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use kale instead of cabbage?

A: Yes, kale works well and holds up nicely to the warm dressing.

Q: What can I substitute for cider vinegar?

A: White wine vinegar is a suitable substitute.