Collards with a Twist (of Lemon that is!)
Description: These collards offer a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, boasting flavors so divine that even the most discerning of Southern grandmothers would give their seal of approval. The pot liquor, known affectionately as “likker” in the South, is a true gem and pairs exquisitely with piping hot cornbread. Rich in vitamins and bursting with flavor, this dish is a must-try for any collard greens enthusiast.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon water 🚰
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salt 🧂
- 2 tablespoons bacon drippings 🥓
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 🥓
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 🍋
- 1 jalapeno pepper, minced 🌶️
Instructions:
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Prepare Collards:
- With a sharp knife, trim away the tough stems from the collard leaves.
- Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
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Prepare Cooking Liquid:
- In a large 6-quart pot, mix the salt and lemon juice into the water.
- Add the collard greens to the pot. They will cook down to about half their original volume.
- Stir in the bacon drippings, minced garlic, and minced jalapeno.
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Cooking Process:
- Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cover the pot and allow the collards to simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Serve:
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked collards to a serving dish.
- Garnish with the crumbled bacon sprinkled over the top.
- Serve the pot liquor in a small bowl alongside the greens, as some enjoy drizzling more of it over their greens or on their cornbread instead of butter!
Notes:
- If you can’t find pre-cleaned collards in a bag, you can purchase 2 bunches of fresh collards instead.
- Trim about 3 inches off the bottom of each bunch and discard any tough outer leaves.
- Rinse the collard leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or sand before following the steps above.
Enjoy this flavorful twist on classic collard greens, perfect for any occasion! 🌿🍋
