If you’re in the mood for a side dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and full of southern charm, then collard greens are your answer. Picture it: tender, perfectly cooked greens bathed in a flavorful broth with just the right amount of seasoning. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser, and it’s simple enough to whip up for a weeknight meal, but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Trust me, you’re going to love these collard greens!
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Why You’ll Love Collard Greens
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating something truly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish has something for everyone. Here’s why it’s such a winner:
Flavorful:
These collard greens are seasoned to perfection with smoky, savory notes that will have everyone asking for more.
Budget-Friendly:
Made with affordable, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Collard greens are inexpensive and full of nutrition, making them a great choice when you’re cooking on a budget.
Easy to Make:
No complicated steps here—just a few simple ingredients and a little simmering time to bring everything together. It’s a great dish for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Healthy and Hearty:
Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, collard greens are as nutritious as they are delicious. They’re the perfect addition to any meal when you’re looking for something wholesome.
Perfect Pairing:
Collard greens go wonderfully with almost anything! They’re perfect as a side to meats, cornbread, or even served as a main dish for vegetarians.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Collard Greens:
The star of the show! These dark leafy greens have a slightly bitter flavor that mellows out beautifully when cooked low and slow.
Smoked Ham Hocks or Bacon:
For that savory, smoky flavor. Ham hocks add richness and depth, but you can easily swap them for bacon if that’s what you have on hand.
Onions:
Chopped onions add a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors of the ham hock or bacon.
Garlic:
Garlic is a must for seasoning. It infuses the greens with its fragrant, pungent flavor.
Chicken Broth:
For the cooking liquid, chicken broth is a great choice because it adds rich flavor without overwhelming the greens.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
A splash of vinegar helps to brighten up the flavors and balance the richness of the greens.
Seasonings:
Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) for a little kick.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this savory dish:
Prep the Greens:
Start by rinsing the collard greens thoroughly to remove any grit. Remove the tough stems by folding the leaves in half and cutting them out. Then chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Ham Hock or Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ham hock or bacon over medium heat until it’s browned and crispy (about 5 minutes). This step infuses the pot with a wonderful smoky flavor.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they’re soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Then add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Broth and Vinegar:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Add the Collard Greens:
Add the collard greens to the pot, stirring to mix them into the broth. If the greens seem too bulky to fit at first, just let them wilt down a bit as they cook.
Season the Greens:
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together, cover the pot, and let the greens simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer they cook, the more tender and flavorful they become.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the greens are tender and full of flavor, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve them hot as a side dish and enjoy!
How to Serve Collard Greens
Collard greens are incredibly versatile and can be paired with just about anything. Here are a few serving suggestions:
With Cornbread:
A classic southern combo—serve your collard greens with a side of buttery cornbread to soak up all the delicious broth.
With Fried Chicken:
Collard greens are the perfect side to fried chicken, adding a nutritious balance to a hearty meal.
With Rice:
Serve over rice to create a complete meal. The rice will absorb the flavorful liquid from the greens, making it extra satisfying.
With BBQ:
Collard greens pair wonderfully with BBQ meats, especially smoked ribs or pulled pork.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make this recipe even better:
Prep Ahead:
You can wash and chop the collard greens ahead of time, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Make It Vegetarian:
If you’d like to make this dish vegetarian, simply skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika to mimic that smoky flavor.
Leftovers:
Collard greens taste even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Spice It Up:
If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen collard greens?
A1: Yes! Frozen collard greens work just as well. You can skip the washing and chopping, but just be sure to thaw them before cooking.
Q2: Can I make collard greens ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Collard greens are perfect for making ahead of time and will only get better the longer they sit.
Q3: Can I use a pressure cooker for collard greens?
A3: Yes, you can! Use the pressure cooker to cook the greens for about 20 minutes under high pressure.
Q4: What if I don’t have ham hocks?
A4: You can substitute with smoked sausage, bacon, or even a smoked turkey leg for a similar smoky flavor.
Q5: Can I freeze collard greens?
A5: Yes, you can! Freeze the cooked collard greens in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Q6: How do I reheat collard greens?
A6: Reheat collard greens in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra broth to get the right consistency.
Q7: Can I add other vegetables to the greens?
A7: Absolutely! Try adding carrots, sweet potatoes, or even tomatoes to enhance the flavor and texture.
Q8: How can I make the greens more tender?
A8: The key to tender collard greens is low and slow cooking. If they’re not as tender as you’d like, just let them cook for a bit longer.
Q9: How do I know when the greens are done?
A9: The greens are done when they’re tender and have absorbed all the seasoning. Taste them to make sure they’re just the right level of softness.
Q10: Can I make collard greens without vinegar?
A10: Yes, you can skip the vinegar if you prefer. It adds a little tang to balance the flavors, but the greens will still be delicious without it.
Final Thoughts
Collard greens are the epitome of comfort food. With their savory, smoky flavor and tender texture, they’re perfect for any meal. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just because, this recipe is one that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Print
Collard Greens Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: Cook Time:
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Southern-style collard greens recipe is simmered with bacon, onions, and a flavorful broth for a tender, smoky, and savory dish. Whether cooked on the stovetop or kept warm in a slow cooker, these hearty greens are the perfect side for barbecue, soul food, or any comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beer (or substitute with extra chicken stock)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
- 2 lbs collard greens (chopped, rinsed, and tough stems removed)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, until crispy.
- Add the onion and garlic, cooking until onions soften (about 4 minutes).
- Pour in the beer, chicken stock, vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Add the collard greens in batches, pressing them down to submerge as they wilt.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender.
- Optional: Transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- Swap beer for chicken broth for an alcohol-free version.
- Add smoked turkey or ham hock for even more Southern flavor.
- To reduce bitterness, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of vinegar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg