Southern Collard Greens with Bacon
User Reviews
5
Southern Collard Greens with Bacon
Description
Southern Collard Greens with Bacon combines leafy collard greens with cooked bacon and aromatics for a flavorful accompaniment. The recipe emphasizes thoroughly washing and drying the greens, removing the tough ribs for tender bites, and cutting them into manageable pieces. Bacon is cooked first to render flavorful fat used for sautéing onion and garlic, layering savory notes before the greens are added.
Chicken broth bathes the greens, which simmer until tender and infused with the smoky bacon and savory seasonings. Salt, freshly ground pepper, optional red pepper flakes for heat, and apple cider vinegar are added to balance and brighten the dish. The final result is tender greens with a rich, smoky undertone and complementary acidity to cut through the richness.
This dish pairs well with Southern-style meals, including grilled meats and cornbread. It can be served as a comforting side or alongside staples like beans and rice. Preparing the bacon and greens ahead of time shortens cooking on meal day.
Cooked collard greens store well in the refrigerator for several days and can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to retain texture and flavor. Freezing defrosted greens make a good addition to soups or stews.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 4 ounces Bacon cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ sweet onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 collard greens washed and drained, large bunches
- 2 cups chicken broth regular sodium
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes optional
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- If collard greens have visible dirt, wash and dry them thoroughly before cooking. To do this, fill a clean sink with water and immerse the leaves. Shake the leaves in the water to remove any dirt. Dry thoroughly by patting with a towel until no moisture remains.
- Cut and remove the rib from the base of each collard green by making a V-shaped incision. Then either cut each one with a sharp knife or tear by hand into 1-inch by 2-inch long pieces.
- Add oil and bacon pieces to a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and cooked through. Remove bacon from the skillet and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon grease in the skillet. (You should end up with about 2 tablespoons of oil.)
- Add the diced onion to the oil and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the cut greens to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and add the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 35-40 minutes over medium-low heat. Stir the greens every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Once greens are tender, turn off the heat and mix in the cooked bacon and vinegar. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Wash and dry collard greens thoroughly to remove dirt before cooking.
- Prepare bacon and cut greens ahead to save time; keep refrigerated separately up to 2 days.
- Store cooked greens airtight in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave to maintain texture and flavor.
- Frozen collard greens can be added to soups or stews after thawing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 115 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 115kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 586mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 147mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 421IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 22mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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