Southern Collard Greens
User Reviews
5
Southern Collard Greens
Description
The Southern Collard Greens recipe starts with browning chopped hickory smoked bacon to render fat and build a savory foundation. Sweet onions and minced garlic are then cooked until softened and fragrant. Chicken broth adds moisture and depth, while fresh, trimmed collard greens contribute hearty leafy texture. Apple cider vinegar balances flavors with acidity, and sugar mellows the natural bitterness of the greens. Simmering uncovered over low heat for about an hour and a half softens the collards to the desired tenderness, allowing flavors to meld.
Throughout cooking, occasional stirring to scrape browned bits from the pot enhances the flavor complexity. The result is richly flavored greens with a combination of smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet undertones. The greens can be seasoned further with salt, pepper, or garnished with crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to add heat according to taste.
This dish pairs well with traditional Southern fare and can be prepared ahead, adjusting the cooking time to suit crispness preferences. Using a Dutch oven or large pot provides flexibility in controlling heat and consistency.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Bacon chopped, hickory smoked
- 1 medium onion diced, sweet
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic about 3-4 large cloves garlic, minced
- 48 ounces chicken broth
- 2 lbs. collard greens trimmed and washed, fresh
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
- crushed red pepper flakes optional garnish, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until almost crisp. Add onion, and sauté until translucent, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and sauté 1 more minute. Add broth, collard greens, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer (uncovered) over low heat for about 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally (or until collards reach desired level of tenderness). Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Notes
- Pre-washed and pre-chopped collard greens offer a convenient starting point; rinse thoroughly if preparing fresh to remove any grit.
- Adjust simmering time to preferred texture—from slightly crisp at about one hour to very tender after two hours.
- The recipe is adapted from Southern Living and favors stovetop preparation for better control compared to slow cookers or pressure cookers.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 174 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/8 of the recipe | |
| Calories | 174kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 18mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 975mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 459mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 5700IU | 114% |
| Vitamin C | 53.5mg | 59% |
| Calcium | 281mg | 28% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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