Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

Its a cold, wet, rainy day out there today. Not fit for man nor beast. It could always be worse however as it could be snowing.
My brother posted a photo of his backyard on FB this morning and in Ottawa, it was snowing. I am not sure I am ready for that. I haven't even bought myself a snow scraper yet. (Not to self, buy snow scraper.)

This is a comfort food kind of a day. When I think of comfort food, several things come to mind. First, potatoes. Second cabbage. Third onions.
This simple dish of fried cabbage and potatoes has all three of those things. Its quite simply delicious as well. I could eat a whole pan of just this and nothing else and be very, very happy.

I adapted the recipe from one which I found in this cookbook. Written by blogger Parish Ritchie (Life with the Crusts Off) I have it on my kindle.
I love church cookbooks. I had several of them, but of course they got left behind. Church pot luck suppers are always some of the best functions to attend.
Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

People always tend to bring their very best pot luck dishes to church pot lucks. They are a point of pride.
The best ones I enjoyed of all time were held in a small country church that I used to attend in French Lake, New Brunswick. The tables in that church basement used to groan under the weight of an abundance of delicious food.
Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

That little Baptist church was filled with lots of "good cookers" as my friend Debbie would say!
You never came away from one of their get-togethers hungry. Dishes just like this one of the many on offer. Along with the companionship and fellowship of some very nice and caring people.
Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

I adore cabbage and I adore potatoes. They are two of my most favorite vegetables. Combine them both and I am in comfort food heaven!
This is a simple side dish that goes well with just about anything. If you are a vegetarian, it makes a delicious main dish, especially if you serve it with a nice square of cornbread on the side!

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO MAKE FRIED CABBAGE AND POTATOES
Very simple ingredients, that's what!

butter (I use regular butter in most of my cooking)
onions (just ordinary brown skinned cooking)
potatoes (any potato will do, peel or not as you prefer)
cabbage (I used the every day cabbage or white cabbage as it is known in the UK)
salt, pepper
water or chicken stock (note if using stock you may not need as much salt)

They offer what is called Stew Packs in the shops here. I think they also did the in the UK. I find them to be a great economy.
Included in the pack will be a cabbage, a few turnips or rutabagas, some carrots, an onion or two and some parsnips.
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Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

All ingredients that I can easily use if not in a stew then on their own and it always works out a lot cheaper for me to buy them in a pack like this rather than in individual lots.
There is also far less waste for me. As the only resident in my household, it only makes sense to buy things in smaller quantities. These stew packs work perfectly for me.

HOW TO MAKE FRIED CABBAGE AND POTATOES
Its not hard to make really. You need to begin by peeling your potatoes and onion. You don't need to peel the potatoes if you don't want to, but I did.
I cut my onion in half horizontally and then cut it into thin slices crosswise (half moons). I did the same with my potatoes.
Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

Melt your butter until it begins to foam and add your onions. You need to cook these, stirring occasionally, over a moderate heat until they begin to soften and then throw in your potatoes.
No need to cook the potatoes first. I was a bit surprised at this because I usually cook my potatoes first when I am going to fry them, but today I threw caution to the wind and just went with the flow!
Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

While the potatoes and onions are cooking, prep your cabbage. Cut it in half and then remove the core. Then cut it into thin wedges and chop them across into smaller pieces. Perfectly bite sized.
Once your potatoes have softened and they have started to brown, along with the onions, scoop them out into a bowl using a slotted spoon and set them aside, keeping them warm.
Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

Add the cabbage to the dish, turning to coat it in any pan drippings and add your water or stock. Cover and then just let the cabbage steam until it is beautifully tender.
True confession here, I always add a pinch of sugar when I am cooking cabbage It takes away any bitterness.
Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

Once your cabbage is tender, remove the cover and allow any liquid to evaporate. Season to taste with some salt and black pepper and toss the potatoes and onions back into the pan, carefully combining everything evenly.
Oh my, my, my . . . a quick heat through and your dish is ready to go!
Fried Cabbage and Potatoes

If you are a person who dislikes the smell of cabbage cooking, light a candle. I, personally, do not mind the smell. It is a smell I love.
Anyways, this is true comfort food. Hearty, filling, delicious. You could add bacon to it if you wanted to of scraps of ham, and yes, cornbread goes wonderfully.
Enjoy!!