| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 120 | 4g | 1g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 4g | 5g | 0.65g |
It doesn’t hit the tastebuds until the slightly pungent yet earthy aroma of Southern-Style Collard Greens fills the kitchen that I’m transported back to the southern foothills where I once spent a summer. The verdant charm of collard greens, thoughtfully slow-cooked with an exciting mixture of bold spices and flavors strike a radiant balance between my love for wholesome, hearty dishes and my respect for vegetation. A star performer in my house and probably the most delightful vegetable dish to ever grace my dinner table — let me tell you why I can’t stop swooning over this meal.
The Allure
This recipe does a fantastic job of bridging the gap between my expertise in game meats and a healthier alternative. Collard greens, while hearty and pleasing in their own right, are known for their high nutrient content. They are packed with vitamins like A and C, rich in antioxidants, and an excellent source of dietary fiber, making it a satiating, waist-friendly dish. Accented with a crunch of thick-cut bacon and the delightful savory essence of chicken broth, it brings about a tantalizing play of textures and flavors.
The Perfect Companion
Just as trout dishes are synonymous with the refreshing alpine ambiance of Colorado, the Southern-Style Collard Greens are a staple in Southern cuisine. However, the rustic charm of this recipe doesn’t limit its pairing possibilities. On a cold, wintry night, serve it alongside your favorite Beef Brisket or a juicy Pork Belly Roast, and you would have a meal that not only warms your stomach but also your soul. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, this collard greens recipe would stand tall next to your rainbow trout or smoked salmon, making it a suitable companion for pescatarian palates.
In Summary
In essence, the Southern-Style Collard Greens recipe is a harmonious concert of health benefits, mouth-watering flavors, and unrivaled versatility. It’s my goto recipe when I want to impress guests or simply when I need a comforting dish after a long hike. I hope you too can create beautiful memories, smeared in hues of green and a pinch of love with this lovely recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 2 bunches of collard greens (about 2 pounds)
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning the collard greens. Rinse them well under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Then, cut off the tough stems and roughly chop the leaves.
Step Two
In a large pot or dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pot but keep the rendered fat in the pot.
Step Three
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and sauté until they become translucent and start to brown around the edges, often taking around 5 minutes. During the last minute, add in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step Four
Now, put the cleaned and chopped collard greens into the pot. Stir them well to coat them in the bacon fat, onion and garlic mixture.
Step Five
After the collard greens have started to wilt in the pot, which often happens within around 10 minutes, add in the chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to low.
Step Six
Cover the pot and let the collard greens simmer for about an hour, or until they are tender to your liking. Make sure to stir them occasionally throughout this cooking time.
Step Seven
Once the collard greens are sufficiently tender, stir in the apple cider vinegar and sugar. Adjust the seasonings as needed, and then crumble the cooked bacon over the top before serving.
Step Eight
Finally, serve your Southern-Style Collard Greens while they are still hot. These pair excellent with many southern meals and add a hearty, healthy component to the table.
