Hearty and Soulful Southern-Style Collard Greens Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound of fresh collard greens
4 slices of thick-cut bacon
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon of sugar

Steps and instructions

Begin by rinsing your collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Remove the stems and roughly chop the leaves.
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the rendered fat behind.
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until it's translucent and beginning to brown.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the collard greens to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, until they have wilted down slightly.
Add the chicken broth, water, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar, and sugar to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the pot.
Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let the collard greens cook for about 45 minutes, until they are tender and flavorful.
Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to taste. Serve the collard greens hot, with some of the cooking liquid.

Tools for making

Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing the collard greens.
Knife - A sharp knife for trimming and chopping the collard greens.
Large Pot - A pot big enough to accommodate the collard greens and other ingredients.
Stirring Spoon - A long-handled spoon for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pot.
Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the chicken broth, water, and other liquids.
Measuring Spoons - For precise measurements of salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
Spatula - Useful for flipping and removing the cooked bacon from the pot.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy Collard Greens: Add some heat by including red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper to the pot while cooking.
Southern Style: Simmer the collard greens with ham hocks or smoked turkey legs to infuse them with a traditional Southern flavor.
Healthy Twist: Replace the bacon with lean turkey bacon or omit it altogether for a healthier version.
Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of minced garlic to enhance the garlic flavor in the dish.
Coconut Collard Greens: Add a tropical twist by incorporating coconut milk or grated coconut into the recipe.
Nutty Flavor: Toast some chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, and sprinkle them over the cooked collard greens before serving.
Savory Herbs: Experiment with adding dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or smoked paprika to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Asian Fusion: Add some soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of ginger for an Asian-inspired twist on collard greens.
Cheesy Collard Greens: Add grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to the cooked collard greens and stir until melted and creamy.

Recipe overview

Dive into southern comfort food with this delicious recipe for Collard Greens. This traditional dish is wholesome, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. In this recipe, we'll be using fresh collard greens, bacon, and a mix of other simple ingredients to create a dish that's both hearty and comforting. This recipe starts by rendering fat from bacon, which is then used to sauté onions and garlic, building a flavorful base. The collard greens are then wilted down in this mixture before being simmered in chicken broth with a touch of apple cider vinegar and sugar for a perfect blend of tangy and sweet. The result is a pot full of tender, flavorful collard greens that can be served as a standalone dish, or as an accompanying side. Whether you're already a fan of collard greens or trying them for the first time, this recipe is a great way to enjoy this nutrient-rich vegetable. Expect a dish that's savory, slightly sweet, and packed with a depth of flavor that's sure to impress.

Common questions

Can I use frozen collard greens instead of fresh? While fresh collard greens are recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen collard greens as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
Can I use a different type of greens? Yes, you can use other greens like kale or mustard greens if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as different greens may require more or less time to cook.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe? Yes, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the collard greens ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them on the stovetop before serving.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze collard greens? Yes, you can freeze cooked collard greens. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - for chopping and preparing the collard greens.
Chef's knife - for slicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and chopping the collard greens.
Large pot - for cooking the collard greens and combining all the ingredients.
Wooden spoon - for stirring the collard greens while they cook.
Measuring cups and spoons - for accurately measuring the chicken broth, water, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar, and sugar.
Tongs - for removing the cooked bacon from the pot and serving the collard greens.
Serving dish - for presenting and serving the cooked collard greens.
Optional: Hot sauce - for those who enjoy some extra heat and flavor with their collard greens.

Origin stories

Collard greens, these leafy green vegetables so beloved in the South, have deep roots in history, tracing all the way back to the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. They were grown not just for their nutritional value but also for their medicinal properties, and were even used to ease the symptoms of a hangover! They were brought to the New World by African slaves who transformed them into a staple of Southern cuisine, using whatever ingredients were available to make this dish flavorful and hearty. This humble vegetable, simmered for hours with bits of bacon or ham hock, has now become a symbol of good health and prosperity, and is a traditional part of the New Year's meal, signifying wealth with their green, leafy appearance reminiscent of money.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.