Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic – A Weight Watchers Recipe

Are you looking for a satisfying and flavorful dish that fits within your Weight Watchers plan? Look no further than this Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic recipe. This savory dish combines the earthy taste of cabbage with the crispy richness of bacon, the sweetness of caramelized onions, and the aromatic depth of garlic. It’s a fantastic side dish, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a low-carb, WW-friendly meal. Let’s dive deep into this recipe, ensuring it’s full of the information you need for a successful cooking experience.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 2-3 pounds), cored and sliced into strips
  • 6 slices of center-cut bacon, chopped into small pieces
  • 1 large onion, sliced thinly
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Servings: 6
  • Calories: 105
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • WW Points: 2 Points (Freestyle SmartPoints)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cabbage: Start by prepping the cabbage. Slice it in half, remove the core, and then slice it into thin strips. Cabbage has a great texture when cooked, and slicing it into thin pieces ensures that it cooks evenly, so you get a tender result. Be sure to discard the tough outer leaves if necessary.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon pieces and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the bacon cooks evenly. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor.
  3. Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the sliced onions. Stir well, ensuring the onions are coated with the bacon fat. Sauté the onions for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften and turn golden brown. This process adds a rich, sweet flavor to the dish, making the onions a key component of the overall flavor profile.
  4. Add the Garlic: Once the onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic. Garlic cooks quickly, so sauté it for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be sure not to let the garlic burn, as this can cause bitterness in your dish.
  5. Add the Cabbage: Now it’s time to add the sliced cabbage to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure the cabbage is coated in the bacon fat, garlic, and onions. Cook the cabbage for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender but still has a slight crunch.
  6. Season the Dish: While cooking, season the cabbage mixture with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. The smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor that mimics the taste of smoked bacon, even if you use a lower-fat option.
  7. Optional Flavor Boost: For a tangy twist, add the apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard to the pan. The vinegar balances the richness of the bacon and onions while enhancing the overall flavor. Stir to combine, letting the vinegar cook off slightly before serving.
  8. Add the Bacon Back: Once the cabbage is tender and the seasonings are well incorporated, return the cooked bacon pieces to the pan. Stir well to combine and distribute the bacon evenly throughout the cabbage. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the fried cabbage to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. This adds a nice touch of color and freshness to the dish, elevating its appearance and flavor.

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown:

This recipe is incredibly flexible when it comes to points and can be adjusted depending on your personal preferences. Based on the ingredients listed, here’s the approximate Weight Watchers points breakdown:

  • Bacon: The center-cut bacon is a great option for keeping the points low while still enjoying the flavor of bacon. Each slice of center-cut bacon typically has about 1 point. With 6 slices, you’ll be using about 6 points in total, but remember to factor in the rendered bacon fat, which adds extra flavor without significant added points.
  • Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil adds 3 points, but you can reduce the amount or even use a cooking spray to cut down on the points.
  • Cabbage: Cabbage is a zero-point vegetable on most Weight Watchers plans, making it an excellent base for the dish.
  • Other Ingredients: The onion, garlic, vinegar, and Dijon mustard all add minimal points to the dish. These ingredients contribute to the overall flavor profile without significantly affecting the point count.

The result is a savory and satisfying dish that fits into most Weight Watchers plans with just 2 points per serving! It’s also low in calories, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Additional Tips for Success:

  1. Substitute Bacon Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using turkey bacon or even a plant-based bacon alternative. These substitutions can help lower the point count even further while still giving you that bacon flavor. Just make sure to adjust the points accordingly.
  2. Make it a Main: You can easily turn this side dish into a main course by adding a protein like grilled chicken or lean pork. You can also add a boiled egg for extra protein and texture, making it a more filling and balanced meal.
  3. Customize the Seasonings: While this recipe calls for smoked paprika, feel free to experiment with other spices like chili powder, cumin, or even red pepper flakes for added heat. Customize it to fit your flavor preferences!
  4. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If you like your cabbage extra crispy, you can give it a quick sauté to crisp it up before serving.
  5. Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare a large batch and portion it out into containers for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It pairs well with a variety of other dishes, so you can mix and match for a balanced meal plan.
  6. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. The cabbage provides fiber, while the bacon adds healthy fats. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to get your veggie intake without the extra carbs.

Final Thoughts:

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic recipe is a perfect example of how you can enjoy rich, flavorful meals without compromising your health goals. Whether you’re following the Weight Watchers program or just looking for a low-carb, delicious side dish, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick to prepare, full of nutrients, and most importantly, it’s packed with taste.

By incorporating healthy ingredients and adjusting the seasoning to your liking, you can make this dish your own while still sticking to your wellness goals. And with just 2 Weight Watchers points per serving, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.