Potato, Cabbage and Bacon Mash

I love mashed potatoes. It is one of my favorite things on a chilly day. This potato, cabbage and bacon mash is a delicious alternative that can be a meal in itself or a great side dish to a meatloaf, stew, turkey, etc.

The ingredients for the potato, cabbage and bacon mash are:

• 2-3 large russet potatoes, peeled, and cut into eighths
• 1/2 lb of shredded cabbage (about one pack of shredded cabbage from the store)
• small red onion, chopped
• 2-3 slices of bacon cut into slivers
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• pinch of caraway seeds
• pepper
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 2 quarts of water

In a 3-4 quart pot combine the shredded cabbage, 2 teaspoons of salt and water. Cook on high until the water boils. When the water boils, add the potatoes and cook until they are fully cooked. Be careful not to overcook the potatoes. When the potatoes are cooked, strain fully and rinse out quickly. This amount of salt should leave the veggies salty and you won't have to add salt to the dish later on.

In a non-stick pot, heat the 2 table spoons of oil on medium, add the chopped red onion and bacon. While stirring brown the bacon.

When the bacon bits are crisp, lower the heat and add the strained potatoes, cabbage and pepper to taste. Stir well over low heat while mashing the potatoes with a wooden spoon. When the potatoes are mashed and everything is mixed well the dish is ready for serving.

The Potato, Cabbage and Bacon Mash is great as a stand alone dish or a side dish. You can serve it as a stand alone dish with a little sour cream or parmesan cheese. Also this mash makes a great side dish for meatloaf, stews, or various roasts. Here we served it as a side to a Beef and English Peas Stew. Enjoy!