Savory Slow-Cooker Collard Greens in Tomato Bacon Sauce

Collard Greens in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Overview:

Collard greens simmered in a savory tomato sauce, infused with the flavors of bacon, onions, and garlic, slow-cooked to perfection. This dish is ideal for pairing with barbecue, cornbread, or sweet potato casserole, making it a versatile addition to your summer grilling menu or any time you crave hearty, healthy greens.

• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
• Cuisine: Southern-inspired
• Category: Collard Greens
• Keywords: Greens, Vegetable, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Inexpensive

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need to make Collard Greens in Tomato Sauce:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bacon:

   • Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.

2. Sauté Onions:

   • In the same skillet, using 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings, sauté the chopped onions until they are tender and translucent.

3. Add Garlic and Seasonings:

   • Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Combine Tomatoes and Greens:

   • Transfer the cooked bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and diced tomatoes to the crockpot. Mix well to combine.

5. Cook in Crockpot:

   • Add the chopped collard greens to the crockpot with the tomato mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat the greens.

6. Slow Cook:

   • Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or on high heat for 3 hours. The collard greens should be tender and flavorful when done.

7. Serve:

   • Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the collard greens with a splash of red wine vinegar on top, or Tabasco sauce for added heat, if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 81.4
• Total Fat: 1.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 1.8mg
• Sodium: 439.3mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 14.2g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5.8g
  • Sugars: 4.1g
• Protein: 4.6g

Tips for Success:

• Choosing Collard Greens: Look for fresh, vibrant green leaves without yellowing or wilting.
• Bacon Variations: You can substitute turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
• Adjusting Flavors: Experiment with different herbs or spices to personalize the dish to your taste.
• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats such as barbecue ribs or chicken.
• Bread Pairing: Enjoy with freshly baked cornbread or crusty French bread.
• Complete Meal: Serve with a side of creamy sweet potato casserole for a satisfying Southern-inspired meal.

Conclusion:

Collard Greens in Tomato Sauce offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for enhancing your summer barbecue spread or any meal throughout the year. This recipe celebrates simplicity and nutrition, making it a great choice for those seeking wholesome, flavorful dishes. Whether you’re a fan of Southern cuisine or looking to add more greens to your diet, this dish promises to satisfy with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients.