Southern Cabbage Recipe (Boiled Cabbage)

This Southern cabbage recipe features boiled cabbage in a smoky, meaty broth with seasonings and spices. A savory and succulent Southern side dish that is a staple on our Sunday dinner table!

Prep Time30

Cook Time2 15

Total Time2 45

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 210kcal

Ingredients

3-4 quarts water
1 smoked turkey leg or 1 smoked turkey wing or 2 smoked ham hocks
2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon chicken base or 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 head of cabbage roughly chopped

Instructions

Set turkey leg (or wings, tail, or ham hocks) in a stainless steel stock pot and cover with water, about 2 inches above the meat.
Add chicken bouillon granules, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon pepper, chili powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes to the pot.
Pour in apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.
Cover pot and bring seasoned water to a boil.
Cook meat until it is tender and can be easily pulled from the bone, about 1 hour.
Carefully remove the turkey (or ham, if using) from the pot and pull the meat from the bones; set the meat aside.
Add cabbage to the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 45 minutes, or until cabbage is fork tender.
Remove cabbage from heat and add the pulled meat to the pot and stir.
Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

Season Well: Taste as you cook! If you want more spice, add extra red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce.

Pick the Right Pot: A big, sturdy pot (like a Dutch oven) helps the cabbage cook evenly.

Save the Broth: The tasty liquid left in the pot (pot liquor) is full of flavor! Pour some over rice or cornbread.

Nutrition