Name: Swamp Cabbage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 6 strips thick bacon; 1/2 lb. smoked sausage; 1/2 yellow onion; 1 red bell pepper; 1 tbsp. minced garlic; 2 stalks celery; 1 14oz. can diced tomatoes; 1 14oz. can hearts of palm; 1 head of cabbage; 1 14oz can black eyed peas; 1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning; 1 1/2 tsps. AP seasoning

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Cookinwithbabe

I started my food vlogging journey in 2024, when I decided it was time to share my love of cooking with folks near and far. I grew up learning the ins and outs of the kitchen from my grandparents and my mama — they taught me that a good meal can bring people together like nothing else. Now, I’m proud to carry on their passion and share those same comforting flavors with y’all.

Swamp Cabbage is one of those dishes that just screams comfort food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with ingredients that make it a real crowd-pleaser. The combination of smoky bacon, savory sausage, and tender cabbage creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in.

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You know how some recipes have that magical ability to transport you back to your childhood? For me, this is one of them. I remember my grandma making Swamp Cabbage during family get-togethers, and it was always the first dish to disappear.

Trust me on this one; once you make it, you’ll understand why everyone keeps coming back for more.

Now, let’s dive into why you’re going to love this recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

First off, the flavor is absolutely off the charts. We’re talking about a smoky, savory blend that dances on your taste buds. The combination of bacon and smoked sausage gives it that irresistible depth, while the cabbage and veggies add a freshness that balances everything out.

Seriously, you’ll be craving this dish long after the last bite.

Another fantastic thing about Swamp Cabbage is how simple it is to make. You don’t need to be a culinary wizard to pull this off. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of chopping, you’ll have a delicious, soul-warming meal on the table in no time.

Plus, it’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers – it only gets better the next day.

And let’s not forget how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to your taste by adding other veggies or spices you love. Want to make it a bit spicier?

Go ahead and toss in some jalapeños. Prefer turkey sausage instead of smoked sausage? You do you!

This dish is all about making it work for you.

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

Alright, let’s talk about the ingredients. Here's what you'll need to whip up this delightful dish: 6 strips of thick bacon, 1/2 lb. of smoked sausage, and 1/2 a yellow onion. You'll also need a red bell pepper, a couple of stalks of celery, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.

Don’t forget the canned goodies – we’re using 1 can each of diced tomatoes, hearts of palm, and black-eyed peas.

Now, I know what you might be thinking – canned ingredients? Yes, my friend, they make this dish even easier and just as tasty. The hearts of palm add a unique texture, and the black-eyed peas are a fun addition if you want to throw in some extra protein.

Oh, and don't forget the seasonings: 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and 1 1/2 teaspoons of all-purpose seasoning. Trust me, they'll elevate the dish even more.

As for tools, a large pot is your best friend here. You'll also need a cutting board and knife for chopping up your ingredients. That’s pretty much all you need to get rolling.

Easy peasy, right?

How To Make It

Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get cooking! This is where the fun really begins. The beauty of Swamp Cabbage lies in its straightforward process.

We’ll start with some prep work, followed by the actual cooking. Let’s break it down.

Preparation

First things first, let’s get everything prepped. Chop up your bacon into strips and slice your sausage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and bell pepper and chop the celery into small pieces.

You want everything to be ready to go because once we start cooking, things will move fast.

Now, I recommend having your canned ingredients open and ready too. Trust me, this will save you from scrambling around the kitchen while trying to stir the pot. You want to keep everything flowing smoothly so you can enjoy the process!

Cooking

Alright, let’s heat things up! In a large pot, add the chopped bacon and cook it over low to medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. You want it nice and crispy but not burnt.

Once the bacon has released its delicious grease, toss in the sausage. Cook until the sausage starts to brown and the bacon is all the way done.

Once everything is looking good, remove the bacon and sausage from the pot and reserve about 2-3 tablespoons of the grease. This is where the flavor magic happens, so don’t skip this step! In that same pot, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery.

Cook them until they’re tender, which should take about 5 minutes.

Next up, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute. This is when your kitchen will start to smell amazing! After that, toss in the diced tomatoes, juice and all, and bring back the bacon and sausage.

Mix everything together well, then add the hearts of palm and your seasonings. Give it a good stir.

Now it’s time for the star of the show: the cabbage. You’ll want to chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot. Cover it and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly.

You’ll know it’s done when the cabbage is tender and everything looks well combined. If you’re using black-eyed peas, stir them in at the end before serving.

Serving & Variations

Once your Swamp Cabbage is ready, it’s time to serve it up! This dish is great on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with some crusty bread or cornbread. You can even top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Feeling adventurous? Mix things up by adding other veggies like zucchini or corn, or even swap out the Cajun seasoning for a different spice blend. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, you can leave out the bacon and sausage and up the veggie game instead.

The possibilities are endless!

And don’t worry about leftovers – this dish holds up remarkably well in the fridge for a few days. It’s perfect for meal prep, and I promise it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, and you’re good to go!

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, my friends! Swamp Cabbage is not just a dish; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, packed with flavor and warmth. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own memories around the table.