Are you planning an authentic St. Patrick’s Day dinner this year? Cabbage is almost as popular in Ireland as potatoes, and cooked with butter (preferably Irish), and bacon (also preferably Irish), you can’t get a better side dish for fresh salmon, lamb chops, or dozens of other popular Irish dishes. Irish Cabbage with Bacon and Peas is a simple dish, and requires very little hands-on time, but it is one of those dishes that is so good, guests or family members will certainly go back for seconds or even thirds.

The pretty green colors are attractive, so it is a great side dish for company. At my house, there are never any leftovers; even my extremely picky husband loves this dish. I love this dish, not only because it tastes good, but because it is quick and easy. I always have onions, bacon, and frozen peas on hand, so all I have to shop for is a head of cabbage. Mashed potatoes (very Irish) go well with this cabbage, too.

8 Servings

8 ounces thick sliced bacon, chopped (Irish bacon is fabulous if you can find it)

1 medium onion, quartered and thinly sliced
1 head green cabbage, cored and cut into 1" pieces

1/4 cup butter (Preferably Irish)
2 cups frozen peas

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp; remove the bacon from the pan to drain.
2. Add the onions to the bacon fat; stir fry a minute or two, then add the cabbage.
3. Stir the cabbage over medium heat until it begins to wilt, then cover and let cook 15-20 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the cover, add the butter, frozen peas, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir until the peas are just cooked through.
6. Stir in the bacon and serve.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 179 Calories from Fat 99
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 55% Protein 15% Carb. 30%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Cholesterol 24 mg
Sodium 570 mg
Total Carbohydrate 13 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 7 g

Vitamin A 12% Vitamin C 109% Calcium 0% Iron 8%