Corned Beef

• Corned beef and cabbage are a classic pairing, with the salty meat complementing the tender, mild cabbage. The corned beef and cabbage are cooked together in this case, producing a one-pot feast that deserves a spot on the table more than once a year to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Ham

• Cabbage takes particularly well to smoked flavors as well as to rich, fatty meats. Try boiled cabbage next to a slice or two of baked ham for a meal suited for many a wintry night -- holidays included. Smoked pork chops are a similarly rewarding accompaniment. Mashed, roasted or boiled potatoes make an excellent addition to the plate.

Turkey

• Turkey has more character than its smaller cousin chicken; it's just a touch more gamey. That makes it the perfect foil for mild and tender boiled cabbage, which also incidentally pairs well with game birds and duck, too. A smoked turkey leg in particular makes for a hearty, satisfying plate.

Sausage

• Cabbage pairs well with a wide variety of sausages, from bratwurst to more exotic choices such as chorizo, linguica and sausages made from duck and wild boar. But perhaps the sausages that best complement the subtle taste of boiled cabbage are the smoked sausages, especially the slightly spicy kielbasa. Once again, kielbasa and cabbage can even be boiled in the same pot for a one-dish meal.