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–+ servings
Green Beans and German Cabbage
This Green Beans & German Cabbage recipe offers a tangy, savory combination of crispy bacon, shredded cabbage, and sweet-tart vinegar dressing, enhanced with green beans for a unique twist. Rooted in German culinary traditions, this dish blends hearty vegetables with rich flavors in a stovetop preparation that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. It’s perfect as a side or a standalone warm salad and celebrates the timeless pairing of pork and cabbage.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, German
Servings 6
Calories 108 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 slices bacon (cut into pieces)
  • ½ cup vinegar
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp onion (chopped )
  • 3 cups cabbage (shredded )
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 1 can green beans (1-pound can, drained)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook Bacon

  • Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp.
  • Remove bacon from skillet and set aside to drain.

Step 2: Make Dressing

  • In the same skillet, add vinegar, sugar, and onion.
  • Stir and bring to a light simmer.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

  • Add cabbage, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
  • Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Green Beans

  • Stir in the drained green beans.
  • Cook for another 5 minutes, uncovered.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  • Top with cooked bacon and serve warm.

Tips

  • Add sliced onions (the recipe mentions “onion” in instructions, include 2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped).
  • Substitute fresh green beans for canned; simmer 8–10 minutes until tender.
  • Increase vinegar for a tangier German-style sweet-sour flavor.
  • Use red cabbage for added color.
  • Add caraway seeds (½ tsp) for an authentic German taste.
  • Top with extra crispy bacon just before serving for better texture.
  • Replace sugar with honey or brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.
  • Stir in diced potatoes for a heartier dish.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting bacon and adding 1 tbsp butter.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 223mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 341IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bacon, cabbage, comfort food, german food, green beans, heirloom meals, vintage recipes
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