Traditional Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Parsley Sauce Recipe (2024)

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According to Darina Allen, author of Forgotten Skills of Cooking, bacon and cabbage is Ireland's national dish. Here's her version of a traditional recipe.

By

Caroline Russock

Traditional Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Parsley Sauce Recipe (1)

Caroline Russock

Caroline Russock is a writer who splits her time between Philadelphia and the Caribbean covering food, travel, leisure, lifestyle, and culture. Her writing is featured in PhillyVoice, Eater, Eater Philly, Serious Eats, and The Tasting Table.

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Updated January 29, 2024

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Traditional Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Parsley Sauce Recipe (2)

On this side of the Atlantic, corned beef and cabbage may be about as Irish as a dish gets, but according to Darina Allen author of Forgotten Skills of Cooking bacon and cabbage is Ireland's national dish. This one calls for whole loin bacon, a British Isles export which is cooked along with the cabbage, sliced before serving, and paired with a creamy parsley sauce.

Unlike American bacon, Irish bacon is made from the back of the pig instead of the belly and is much leaner than streaky bacon. I used a presliced Irish bacon for this recipe but whole versions are available in British specialty shops.

Most of the flavor in this dish comes from the bacon that you choose. While preparing it, I realized that my bacon was relatively mild and added a few peppercorns and a bay leaf to bump up the flavor. The boiled bacon takes on a ham-like quality and the cabbage became plenty porky.

The bacon and cabbage is finished with a parsley sauce that's really nothing more than a béchamel made from milk infused with thyme, carrots, and onion, thickened with a roux and finished with plenty of fresh, bright parsley.

This Irish bacon, cabbage, and parsley sauce was a nice break from the ubiquitous St. Patrick's Day standard of corned beef and cabbage which I've always found a little over the top, especially when made from the prepackaged corned beef. Without all of the salt and spices you can really taste the ingredients that go into the dish—it's clean and fresh and decidedly Irish.

March 2010

Recipe Details

Traditional Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Parsley Sauce Recipe

Prep0 mins

Cook4 hrs

Total4 hrs

Serves12to 15 servings

For the Bacon and Cabbage:

  • About 5 pounds loin, collar thick-cut bacon

  • 1 Savoy cabbage

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • Freshly ground black pepper

For the Roux:

  • 8 tablespoons butter

  • Scant cup all-purpose flour

For the Parsley Sauce

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • A few parsley stems

  • 1 sprig of thyme

  • A few slices of carrot (optional)

  • A few slices of onion (optional)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • About 4 tablespoons freshly chopped curly parsley

Directions

  1. Cover bacon in cold water in a large pot and bring slowly to a boil.

  2. If bacon is very salty there will be a white froth on top of the water, in which case it is preferable to discard the water and start again.

  3. It may be necessary to change the water several times, depending on how salty the bacon is. Finally, cover bacon with hot water, place a lid on the pot, and simmer until bacon is almost cooked, allowing 20 minutes for every 1 pound.

  4. Meanwhile, trim the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut it into quarters, removing core. Discard core and outer leaves. Slice cabbage across the grain into thin shreds. If necessary, wash it quickly in cold water. About 20 minutes before the end of cooking the bacon, add shredded cabbage to the pot of simmering bacon.

  5. Stir, cover, and continue to boil gently until both cabbage and bacon are cooked, about 1 3⁄4 hours.

  6. To make roux, melt butter in a pan and cook flour for 2 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. It will keep for two weeks in the refrigerator.

  7. To make the sauce, add cold milk to a saucepan and add herbs and vegetables (if using). Bring mixture to simmering point, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 4-5 minutes. Strain milk, bring it back to a boil, and whisk in 4 tablespoons roux until sauce is a light coating consistency. Season again with salt and pepper. Add chopped parsley and simmer over very low heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

  • Bacon
  • Irish
  • Cabbage
  • Parsley
  • St. Patrick's Day
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
386Calories
21g Fat
6g Carbs
42g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12to 15
Amount per serving
Calories386
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g26%
Saturated Fat 9g44%
Cholesterol 140mg47%
Sodium 457mg20%
Total Carbohydrate 6g2%
Dietary Fiber 2g7%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 42g
Vitamin C 12mg59%
Calcium 70mg5%
Iron 1mg8%
Potassium 694mg15%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Traditional Irish Bacon, Cabbage, and Parsley Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What cut of meat is Irish boiling bacon? ›

Boiling bacon is a side of pork that is traditionally cured, netted and partially smoked the Irish way. Our boiling bacon is produced from Linley Valley free range pork shoulders, a leaner cut compared to pork belly.

What is bacon and cabbage made of? ›

Bacon and cabbage (Irish: bagún agus cabáiste) is a dish traditionally associated with Ireland. The dish consists of sliced back bacon boiled with cabbage and potatoes. Smoked bacon is sometimes used. The dish is served with the bacon sliced, and with some of the boiling juices added.

How long do you need to boil cabbage? ›

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add cabbage. (It's OK to crowd the pot because the cabbage will shrink!) Step 2Boil until tender, about 5 minutes for shredded cabbage and 10 minutes for wedges.

What cut is Irish bacon? ›

Irish bacon is traditionally made from the back of the pig as opposed to the pork belly commonly used in American bacon. In this sense it is more similar to Canadian bacon; both Canadian and Irish bacon are referred to as back bacon but the Irish variety has more fat and often cut into a round shape.

What are thick slices of bacon called? ›

Kendyll Hillegas. Just like standard bacon, only thicker. Use this cut when you want to slice bacon into matchsticks (known as lardons). Cook until crisp for chewy bites that add flavor to salads, soups, and baked potatoes. Try it in: Stovetop Bacon Lasagna.

Why do you boil bacon before cooking? ›

The addition of water keeps the initial cooking temperature low and gentle, so the meat retains its moisture and stays tender as the fat renders. Plus, since the water helps render the fat, there will be significantly less splatter as your bacon finishes in the pan.

What is the history of bacon and cabbage in Ireland? ›

Historical Significance: Bacon and Cabbage wasn't just a meal; it was a reflection of Ireland's agricultural landscape. Families across the country would gather around the table to enjoy this dish, embodying a sense of community and togetherness.

What is the difference between Irish bacon and Canadian bacon? ›

Irish bacon gets cured the same as Canadian bacon or back bacon (the name comes from the source on the pig). The main differences are that Irish bacon is a circular shape and its rich fat content gives it that savory flavor.

What is a full Irish breakfast? ›

A traditional full Irish breakfast comprises bacon, sausage, eggs, potatoes, beans, soda bread or toast, tomatoes, mushrooms, and white or black pudding. For those wondering, black pudding coagulates the pig's blood into a sausage form. The white pudding is simply a pork sausage, usually flat.

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

Then, there is the red cabbage which tends to turn blue when cooked and so, most commonly just eaten raw. If you do want to cook it, add a touch of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to lessen the effect.

Can you overcook cabbage? ›

Yes, cabbage sizzles in stir-fries; simmers in soups, stews, and braises; adds healthy crunch to salads; and does wonders for casseroles, gratins, and meat pies — cabbage does it all, and for a bargain price. The key to cooking cabbage: Don't overcook it. Cabbage is sweet and aromatic when cooked correctly.

Can you drink the water from boiled cabbage? ›

Drinking cabbage water can have a positive impact on your digestive system. It contains natural compounds that aid in digestion and help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Cabbage water is also rich in dietary fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements and contributes to a healthy gut.

Is Irish bacon just ham? ›

Canadian bacon (also known as back bacon, Irish bacon, English bacon, or rashers), looks suspiciously like ham—but not that much like American bacon (also called streaky bacon).

What is Swift bacon? ›

The Swift Premium Sliced Bacon is excellent for breakfast menus. These bacon slices are fully cooked and ready to heat and serve, saving time and effort. This pack of Swift Bacon is ideal for hotels, diners, and restaurants. Ships Refrigerated in our Proprietary Boxes.

Is Irish bacon the same as English bacon? ›

Irish Bacon or Rashers

This type is also known as “English bacon.” It's another type of back bacon similar to Canadian bacon, but with a layer of fat around the outer edge of the slices. Rashers are a staple of the traditional Irish breakfast.

What is boiled bacon made of? ›

Boiling bacon is an unsmoked, but cured pork loin that, unsurprisingly, you cook by boiling.

What part of pig is Irish bacon? ›

Irish bacon is typically made from the loin of the pig, which is located on the back of the animal. The meat is cured using a combination of salt, sugar, and other seasonings, and then smoked to enhance its flavor.

What is the difference between boiled bacon and ham? ›

Ham can be cut from the hind leg of a pig or from other parts of the carcass, so it's a slightly less specific term. Bacon is pork meat cut from parts of the pig other than the legs, such as the back, loin, collar or the belly. Other differences are that Bacon is sold raw and must be cooked before being eaten.

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