Collard greens are a classic Southern dish that is both delicious and nutritious. Made from hearty collard greens simmered with onions, garlic, and smoked meat, this dish is full of flavor and perfect for serving alongside your favorite Southern dishes. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make collard greens that are tender, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at your next meal.
Ingredients for Southern Collard Greens
- 2 bunches of collard greens
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
How to Make Southern Collard Greens
Step 1: Prepare the Collard Greens
- Wash the collard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim off the tough stems and discard them.
- Stack the collard green leaves on top of each other and roll them up tightly. Slice the rolled-up leaves into thin strips.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Onions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it starts to render its fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Collard Greens
- Add the sliced collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine them with the bacon and onion mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together.
Step 4: Simmer the Collard Greens
- Bring the pot to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the collard greens simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the greens are tender.
- Check the pot occasionally and add more chicken broth if needed to keep the collard greens from drying out.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar, then taste the collard greens and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the collard greens hot, either as a side dish or as a main course with cornbread and other Southern favorites.
About the Main Ingredients
- Collard Greens: Collard greens are a leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals. They have a slightly bitter flavor that is mellowed out by the cooking process.
- Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor to the collard greens, as well as a rich depth of flavor from the rendered fat.
- Onion and Garlic: Onion and garlic add aromatic flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the collard greens.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth serves as the cooking liquid for the collard greens, adding flavor and helping to tenderize the greens as they cook.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional) add seasoning and spice to the collard greens, enhancing their flavor profile.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy acidity to the collard greens, balancing out the richness of the bacon and adding brightness to the dish.
