There is nothing simpler to make than fried cabbage. And combine it with a little meat, and you have a meal in a skillet.

My taste for cabbage runs the gamut when it comes to spiciness. I like it lightly seasoned with just salt and pepper — some might call this bland — or it can be relatively hot when it features some of my favorite capsaicin-laden jalapeños or habaneros.

The following fried cabbage recipe, which features bacon and brats, goes lightly on the hot stuff, containing just a teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

This is a good example of the old adage that some of the most simple meals are the best.

Fried Cabbage with Brats
2 slices bacon
3 bratwursts
1 large onion, chopped coarsely
1 head cabbage, chopped coarsely
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic power
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Take bratwurst out of casings and cook with bacon oven medium heat in a large skillet. Cook until bacon is crisp and sausage is crumbly and done. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 3 minutes. Add cabbage, sugar, vinegar, garlic and onion powder, paprika and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add crumbled bacon and bratwurst. Combine with cabbage mixture and serve.