Cooking collard greens is like wrapping yourself in a warm, flavorful blanket of Southern tradition. This classic Southern dish has roots that run deep in the heart of Southern cooking, bringing families together around the dinner table for generations. There’s something utterly satisfying about the way the greens soften and absorb the rich, smoky flavors as they simmer away. Trust me, there’s no better way to enjoy a comforting meal than with a plate of perfectly cooked collard greens. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and full of nutrients, making them a delightful addition to any meal!
Ingredients for Collard Greens Recipe Southern
To whip up this delicious collard greens recipe, you’ll need a few simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped for sweetness
- 4 cloves garlic, minced to add that aromatic punch
- 4 cups chicken broth, for rich and savory depth
- 1 smoked ham hock, for that authentic Southern flavor
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, to sauté the onion
- Salt to taste, because a little seasoning goes a long way
- Pepper to taste, adding a bit of kick
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to start your culinary adventure!
How to Prepare Collard Greens Recipe Southern
Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter: preparing these beautiful collard greens! It’s a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Here’s how to do it:
- First, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This will create a lovely base for your flavors.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté it until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes. This step is key because it brings out the sweetness of the onion!
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not browned, so keep an eye on it!
- Now, it’s time to add the collard greens and the smoked ham hock to the pot. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot; they’ll shrink down as they cook.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring this mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the greens are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste. And there you have it—delicious, tender collard greens ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Collard Greens Recipe Southern
- Easy to prepare with just a few simple steps
- Rich, traditional Southern flavor that brings comfort to any meal
- Packed with nutrients, making it a healthy side dish option
- Perfectly complements a variety of main dishes, from fried chicken to cornbread
- Can easily be adapted for vegetarian diets without sacrificing taste
Tips for Success with Your Collard Greens Recipe Southern
If you want to achieve the best flavor and texture with your collard greens, here are some pro tips to keep in mind. First, don’t rush the sautéing of the onion; that sweetness is essential! Also, make sure to wash your collard greens thoroughly to remove any grit. When simmering, the longer you can let them cook, the more tender and flavorful they become—aim for that 1-hour mark if you can! Finally, taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper until it’s just right for you. Trust me, these little touches make a world of difference!
Nutritional Information for Collard Greens Recipe Southern
When it comes to nutrition, this collard greens recipe is as wholesome as it is delicious! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy knowing you’re indulging in something nutritious!
FAQ about Collard Greens Recipe Southern
Got questions about making the perfect collard greens? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common ones:
Can I use frozen collard greens instead of fresh? Yes! Frozen collard greens are a great time-saver. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They taste even better the next day!
How do I make this recipe vegetarian? Simply swap out the smoked ham hock for a teaspoon of smoked paprika. It gives that smoky flavor without the meat!
Can I add other ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some red pepper flakes for heat or diced tomatoes for a fresh twist.
What should I serve with collard greens? They’re fantastic alongside fried chicken, cornbread, or even over rice for a hearty meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Collard Greens Recipe Southern
Storing your delicious collard greens is super easy! Just let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, feel free to freeze them! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring them back to life if they seem a bit dry. Enjoy!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions for Collard Greens Recipe Southern
When it comes to making collard greens, a few ingredient swaps can keep things exciting! If you can’t find collard greens, you can use kale or mustard greens for a slightly different flavor profile. For a vegetarian alternative to the smoked ham hock, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke or some smoked paprika. It gives that beloved smoky flavor without any meat! If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well. And don’t hesitate to get creative with spices—throw in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat! These tweaks can really elevate your dish!
Serving Suggestions for Collard Greens Recipe Southern
For a truly Southern feast, pair your collard greens with crispy fried chicken or succulent smoked ribs. They also shine alongside a bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese or a slice of fluffy cornbread, soaking up all those delightful juices. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve them over a bed of rice for a hearty meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Trust me, these combinations will take your meal to the next level and have everyone asking for seconds!
Imprimer
Collard Greens Recipe Southern: 5 Steps to Comforting Flavor
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A classic southern dish featuring collard greens cooked to perfection.
Ingrédients
- 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add collard greens and ham hock to the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ham hock with smoked paprika.
- Serve with cornbread for a traditional meal.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 8g
- La protéine: 7g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: collard greens, southern recipe, vegetable dish
