Soulful Southern Collard Greens

Grandma's soulful collard greens recipe, finally written down! Easy Southern comfort food with smoky ham hock. Tender, flavorful, and totally addictive. Get the recipe!

Alright, let's dive into collard greens , shall we? ever wondered how to make collard greens that taste like a warm hug from the south? honestly, it's easier than you think! this isn’t just any greens recipe soul food , it's an experience.

Grandma's Secret to Easy Collard Greens

This recipe isn't just about cooking collard greens ; it's about tradition. originating from the southern united states, braised collard green have deep cultural significance.

It's considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. this easy collard greens recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. it needs roughly 25 minutes prep, and around 2 to 3 hours to cook.

It makes 6-8 servings of delicious southern food .

Why You'll Love This Collard Greens Recipe

Forget boring vegetables! collard greens with bacon are a nutritional powerhouse. they're packed with vitamins and fibre. this recipe is perfect for sunday dinners or any day you want to feel cozy.

What makes this collard greens recipe special? it's the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly tangy flavours. honestly, it's comfort food at its finest.

According to the usda, collard greens are an excellent source of vitamins a, c, and k.

Before we dive into ingredients, let me share something. i remember once trying to rush cooking collard greens , and honestly? biggest mistake.

Trust the process. slow and low is the key to tender, flavourful greens. similar to braising braised kale , slow cooking is vital.

Okay, let's dive into what makes these easy collard greens truly sing: the ingredients and the gear! you know, it’s like having the right tools in your shed – makes all the difference.

Ingredients: The Heart of Southern Cooking

Forget fancy stuff. This greens recipe soul food is all about simple, quality ingredients.

Main Players

• Collard Greens : A massive 2 pounds (900g) , fresh as you can find. Look for vibrant, dark green leaves with no yellowing. Seriously, fresh is everything when cooking collard greens .
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Nothing special here, just good old olive oil.
• Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped. Adds that sweet base flavour.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Gotta have garlic!
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (5ml) or more, if you like it hot. I usually go a little extra because, well, I like some kick.
• Smoked Ham Hock: About 8 ounces (225g) . This is what gives it that classic smoky flavour.
• Chicken Broth: A whopping 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Low sodium is your friend here. Trust me.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . The acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5g) (optional). Just a pinch to balance things out. I sometimes skip this.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Always.

Seasoning Notes: The Soul of the Dish

Honestly, the ham hock does a lot of the heavy lifting. But these additions boost things.

• Essential Spices: Red pepper flakes are your friend. Experiment with smoked paprika too.
• Flavor Boosters: Apple cider vinegar is essential. Don't skip it!
• Substitutions: If you don’t have ham hock, try smoked turkey wings. Still gives that oomph .

Equipment: Keeping it Simple

You don't need a kitchen full of gadgets for this collard greens recipe .

Essentials

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Crucial for braising.
• Large Bowl/Sink: For washing the collard greens .
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Obvious, right?

Household Alternatives

Don’t have a dutch oven? a large, heavy-bottomed pot will do just fine. i’ve even used a stockpot in a pinch! the most important thing is a tight-fitting lid.

The dinner then dessert website has some excellent tips on this if you're looking for more ideas.

Alright, there you have it. let's get braised kale , or more particularly collard green down and dirty. next up, we're actually making the collard greens with bacon or the ham hock.

Seriously, are you ready for some fantastic southern food ? you are in for a treat with this try collard greens recipe.

Alright, let's dive into cooking collard greens , yeah? we're gonna make some proper southern food . this isn't just any greens recipe soul food .

It's like your grandma's recipe, only written down. think comfort food, plain and simple.

Prep: Get Your Mise On

First things first. We need our "mise en place," right? Basically, get all your ingredients prepped and ready. We’re talking serious business here.

• Essential mise en place . Wash your collard greens properly. Get rid of tough stems. Chop the leaves.

• Time-saving tips . Do this while the hock simmers!

• Safety reminders . Be careful with that knife! Honestly, I’ve nicked myself more times than I care to admit.

Step-by-Step: Low and Slow

Now for the cooking! This easy collard greens recipe is mostly hands-off.

1. Wash and chop 2 pounds (900g) of collard greens .
2. Sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic in 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil until soft.
3. Add 1 smoked ham hock and 6 cups (1.4 liters) of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
4. Stir in the chopped collard greens . It will seem like loads.
5. Add 1 tablespoon (15ml) of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon (5g) of sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and simmer for 2- 3 hours .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Greens

Time for some secret tips. These will really make your collard greens sing!

• Expert Technique . Massage the raw greens with olive oil before cooking. This helps tenderize them.

• Common Mistakes . Don’t skip the vinegar! It balances the bitterness. I learned that the hard way, let me tell you!

• Braised Kale alternative. Feeling funky? Why not use kale instead?

So there you have it! Give this Collard Greens Recipe a go!

Right, let's talk recipe notes for easy collard greens . this ain't just a recipe, it's a hug in a bowl.

My nan swore by greens recipe soul food , and honestly, she was right.

Serving Up Southern Comfort

Plating with Style

Forget fancy. this is about comfort. think rustic bowls, maybe a dollop of hot sauce. a side of crispy collard greens with bacon alongside makes it a proper treat.

Honestly? a simple plate is just as good.

Sidekick Superstars

Cornbread is a must. you know? it's like peas and carrots, salt and pepper, or ant and dec. trust me.

Black-eyed peas or some sweet potatoes are also killer. i usually serve up some proper southern food with it.

Storing Your Treasure

Fridge Rules

Leftover collard greens ? Winner! They taste even better the next day. Pop them in an airtight container. They're good for 3-4 days. Honestly, they never last that long in my house.

Freezer Fun

Freezing collard green ? you bet! portion them out. place them in freezer bags, squeeze out the air, and freeze.

They'll be good for a couple of months. just be aware the texture will change a little.

Reheating Like a Pro

Reheating? Easy peasy. Microwave is fine. But for the best flavour, gently reheat on the stove. A touch of broth can prevent them from drying out. Just like Dinner Then Dessert !

Remixing the Recipe

Keeping it Plant-Based

Want a veggie version? skip the ham hock, use veggie broth. a dash of smoked paprika gives that smoky flavour.

I've tried adding a bit of liquid smoke too – works a treat!

Seasonal Swaps

Don't have collard greens ? Honestly, don't sweat it. Braised kale works beautifully. Mustard greens too! Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Nutrition Know-How

Simple Stats

Cooking collard greens is also surprisingly healthy. they're packed with vitamins, fibre, and all that good stuff. plus, they are an excellent option on keto, with their low carb levels.

The ham hock adds some protein. everything in moderation, eh?

Health Heroes

Collard green are great for your gut. They can help lower cholesterol. Plus, the fiber keeps things moving if you catch my drift.

Right then, go get cooking! these easy collard greens are sure to be a hit. i really hope you try collard greens .

Don’t be afraid to play around with it and adjust the recipe to your taste. honestly, there's no right or wrong way to enjoy collard greens recipe .

Have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my collard greens bitter?

Bitterness in collard greens is perfectly normal! It's just part of their character, like a proper British cuppa might be a bit strong. The trick to reducing bitterness is long, slow cooking – braising them for a good couple of hours mellows the flavor beautifully. A splash of vinegar, like apple cider vinegar, also helps to balance the bitterness and add a welcome tang.

How do I properly clean collard greens?

Cleaning collard greens properly is essential, as they can be quite sandy. Fill a large bowl or your sink with cold water. Submerge the collard greens, swishing them around to dislodge any dirt. Repeat this process several times until the water runs clear. Think of it like giving your greens a proper spa day before their big braising session!

Can I make collard greens vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Turning collard greens into a vegetarian or vegan dish is a piece of cake. Simply omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To replicate that smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika. You might even consider adding some smoked tofu or plant-based sausage for extra heartiness. It's like a veggie makeover, but for soul food!

How long do cooked collard greens last in the fridge? And can I freeze them?

Cooked collard greens will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. As for freezing, absolutely! Allow the greens to cool completely, then transfer them to freezer bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just remember, freezing might alter the texture slightly, so they're best used in dishes where texture isn't paramount – like a hearty stew!

What's the secret to tender collard greens?

Patience is key when it comes to tender collard greens. The low and slow braising method is what breaks down those tough fibers. Also, don't be shy about adding a little acid, like apple cider vinegar – it helps tenderize the greens. And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning and cooking time until they reach your desired level of tenderness – that's the chef's kiss right there.

Are collard greens good for you?

You bet they are! Collard greens are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. They're like the good-for-you superhero of the vegetable world. Just be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you're using a salty broth or ham hock. Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, and you're doing your body a favor!

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