Best 7 Cajun Collards Recipes

FRESH SOUTHERN-STYLE COLLARD GREENS RECIPE

Steps:

• Wash collard greens in about 3 to 4 changes of water, until no sandy sediment can be felt at the bottom of the sink or bowl.
• Lay each leaf out and cut out the thick center stalk and any very thick veins. Layer several leaves and roll them; Cut the rolled leaves into 1/2-inch strips (chiffonade style). You may also chop the leaves.
• In a large skillet over medium heat cook the diced bacon or jowl to render some of the fat. Discard the drippings or save and refrigerate for another use.
• In a large stockpot or Dutch oven bring the 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the cooked bacon or hog jowl, the chopped onions, salt, red and black peppers, and seasoned salt or Cajun seasoning, if using. Add the greens to boiling water. You might have to add the collard greens in batches.
• Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 1 hour, or until greens are tender.
• Serve the collard greens with freshly baked cornbread and pass the hot pepper vinegar or pepper sauce at the table. Serves 4 to 6. Tips and Variations

LOUISIANA COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• To prepare greens, cut away the tough stalks and remove all stems from the collards. Discard any leaves that are bruised or yellow. Wash the collards thoroughly to remove the grit, 2 or 3 times, until the water runs clear. Dry thoroughly -- you can do this easily by rolling them up in a clean dish towel. (I sometimes use two bags of pre-cut and prewashed collard green pieces from the produce section, but I still break off any large pieces of stem as they tend to be tough even after cooking.).
• Place a large pot or cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. When it is heated, add the onion, bay leaves and ham hock. (If using bacon, cook beforehand and then add when the greens go in.) Cook the mixture until the onions are soft and are starting to brown, about 8-10 minutes. To prevent the garlic from burning, add it just a few minutes before the onions are done.
• Pack in greens, pushing them down into the pot. Add the broth, vinegar and sugar. Bring up to a boil, turning the greens over occasionally with a wooden spoon as they wilt. Lower to a simmer, cover the pot and cook for 1 hour. Taste the "pot liquor" (broth) and check the seasoning, adding salt and pepper as desired.
• Cover again and let cook for an additional 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Some recipes use a lot less cooking time, but this additional time really helps all the flavors come together. (If using the bagged pre-cut collard greens, they may only have to cook for another 1 to 2 hours.) Remove the bay leaves and ham hock, dicing up and adding any meat from the ham hock, drain off excess cooking liquid, and serve.

CAJUN COLLARDS

Steps:

• Fry bacon in a Dutch oven until almost done.
• Add onions and garlic and saute until the onions are clear.
• Cover the bacon, onions and garlic with 4 cups water, heat to boiling.
• Add wine, soy sauce, salt, hot sauce and collards.
• Return to a boil and simmer for 1 hour.

VEGETARIAN "SOUTHERN-STYLE" COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil and butter. Saute the onions until slightly softened, about 2 minutes, then add the red pepper flakes and garlic, cook another minute. Add collard greens and cook another minute. Add the vegetable stock, cover and bring to a simmer. Cook until greens are tender, about 40 minutes. Add tomatoes and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

BRAISED COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cook 30 seconds. Add the ham hocks, chicken broth and 4 cups water. Increase the heat to high and bring to a low boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the ham is tender and falling off the bone, about 2 hours.
• Remove the ham hocks from the liquid. Remove and discard the skin and bones. Roughly chop the meat into bite-size pieces. Return the meat to the cooking liquid along with the collard greens and vinegar. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender, about 30 minutes. Serve the collards with some of the liquid.

CAJUN CHICKEN WITH COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat; season the chicken with the blackening seasoning or Cajun seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
• Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes per side; transfer to serving plates.
• Meanwhile, heat a second skillet, over medium high heat with 3 tablespoons oil; add garlic, red pepper, cook, tossing frequently, until softened about 2 to 3 minutes.
• Add the collards, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, tossing, until collards are just tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Stir in black eyed peas and cook until heated through, 1 or 2 minutes more.

SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• In a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat brown the bacon. When the bacon is about halfway browned add the chopped onion. Cook until the bacon is browned and the onion is soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute; stirring constantly.
• Add the collard greens and cook until wilted and slightly softened. Add the chicken broth, sugar, cajun seasoning, paprika and crushed red pepper. Cover and simmer 45-60 minutes letting the liquid cook down and the greens really soften. Then drain most of the liquid or use a slotted spoon to remove. Salt and pepper to taste. For best results serve promptly.