Halushka (Cabbage and Noodles with Bacon)
On a chilly fall day I think of comfort foods and that works well with the fall produce that is in season now. I went to the farmers market and the cabbage was beautiful and instantly I thought of Halushka. My Polish Grandmother made Halushka, known as cabbage with bacon and noodles. My Mother continued making it through the years, my brothers and I loved it and I continue to make it today. It is requested by my niece Morgan; she loves all the old world recipes. It is so flavorful and it’s just bacon, cabbage, noodles, salt and pepper. So simple yet so flavorful.
Halushka (Cabbage and Noodles with Bacon)
12 ounce your favorite bacon
1 medium size cabbage
12 ounce package of egg noodles
Sea salt and black pepper
Heat a large pan over medium heat.
Coarsely chop bacon. Add bacon to pan and cook until crisp; stirring occasionally. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel. Leave about 2 Tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pan. Save the remaining bacon drippings for later use; store in the refrigerator.
OK I did not measure the cabbage and I know a medium size cabbage is subjective. But, as you can see in the picture it is a panful of cabbage! Thinly slice cabbage and toss it in the pan with the bacon drippings. Sprinkle a teaspoon of sea salt over the cabbage, toss and cover. Continue cooking; stir every few minutes so cabbage cooks evenly. The cabbage should be soft and tender; this should take about 30 minutes, season with black pepper to taste.
While the cabbage is cooking, cook the noodles according to the package and drain. Mix the noodles with the cabbage and the cooked bacon until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Serve hot. We always serve it with homemade applesauce on the side, its tradition and seasonal. I imagine most “Old World” recipes and traditions come from home garden cooking. In other words… “What do we have on hand and what can we make with it?”
