Southern Collard Greens Recipe
Overview:
Southern Collard Greens is a classic dish known for its comforting flavors and hearty texture. Traditionally, collard greens are cooked down in water with smoked ham hock or turkey wing, but this updated method of wilting them enhances their vibrant green color and elevates their taste. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, requiring less than 4 hours to prepare and cook. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious dish on the table in no time.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: 276.2
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 10 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 5 slices of bacon
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Greens: Start by thoroughly washing the collard greens under cold running water to remove any grit. Then, separate the tender leaves from the stems, discarding the tough stems. |
| 2 | Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon into bite-size pieces and fry them in a large stockpot over medium heat until crispy. Make sure not to drain the bacon fat, as it will add flavor to the greens. |
| 3 | Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon and cook until it becomes tender and translucent, absorbing the delicious bacon flavor. |
| 4 | Wilt the Collard Greens: Once the onion is cooked, add the collard greens to the pot. Initially, it may seem like the pot is overflowing, but don’t worry, as the greens will wilt down significantly as they cook. Stir the greens frequently to ensure they wilt evenly. You can cover the pot intermittently to help speed up the wilting process. |
| 5 | Season and Serve: Once the collard greens have wilted to your desired texture, season them generously with salt and pepper to taste. Then, drizzle the apple cider vinegar over the greens, stirring to incorporate the flavors. Serve the Southern Collard Greens hot and enjoy the comforting taste of the South. |
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 276.2
- Fat: 18.4g
- Saturated Fat: 5.8g
- Cholesterol: 25.7mg
- Sodium: 376mg
- Carbohydrates: 19.7g
- Fiber: 10.8g
- Sugar: 1.9g
- Protein: 12.5g
Keywords:
Greens, Vegetable, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Weeknight, Easy
Notes:
- This recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional Southern collard greens by omitting the need for smoked ham hock or turkey wing, making it suitable for those looking to reduce their protein and cholesterol intake.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add additional spices or herbs for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
