Cut the cabbage into quarters. Remove any wilted and discolored outer leaves and cut out the core from the cabbage pieces. Cut the cabbage into a rough 1-inch dice.
Cook the bacon in a 4-quart pot over medium heat until crisp.. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain. There should be (about 1/2 cup of bacon drippings in the pan. Add the cabbage to these drippings and cook without stirring until it begins to brown, about 3 minutes.
Add the water, sugar, salt, and pepper and cook covered until the cabbage is tender, about 20 minutes.
Crumble the cooked bacon into the cabbage and serve hot.
Servings: 4