**Collard Greens: A Southern Delicacy with a Burst of Flavor and Health Benefits**
Collard greens, a staple in Southern cuisine, are not just a delicious side dish but also a nutritional powerhouse. These leafy greens are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a wholesome addition to any meal. Their distinct flavor and versatility make them a favorite among home cooks and chefs alike. In this article, we present a collection of delectable collard greens recipes that showcase their diverse culinary applications.
From classic Southern-style collard greens braised with smoked ham hocks and spices to innovative salads, soups, and even a unique collard greens pesto, these recipes cater to every taste and preference. Each recipe is carefully crafted to highlight the natural flavors of collard greens while incorporating complementary ingredients that elevate the dish to a new level. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, you'll find inspiration and easy-to-follow instructions in this comprehensive guide to cooking collard greens. So, get ready to embark on a flavorful and nutritious adventure as we explore the culinary wonders of this Southern delicacy.
SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS
Steps:
- Prepare the collard greens bath by filling your kitchen sink with cool water and adding vinegar and salt.
- Remove the collard greens from the steams by folding them in half lengthwise and pulling the leaf away from the stem. (discard the stem or see note below on how to cook them)
- Place the collard greens into the prepared water bath and swish them around several times, scrubbing them to help loosen up any dirt.
- Let the collard greens soak for 15-20 minutes, giving them a scrub midway. Drain the water and refill with plain water and allow the greens to soak again if needed. Repeat as many times as needed until the water is free from any dirt or grit. After the final soak, drain the water. Next, rinse and scrub each leaf front and back with cool water to ensure they are squeaky clean.
- Tear the greens into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onions and saute until tender.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and add the turkey leg. Bring to a boil.
- Add collard greens and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook collard for 1 hour (or longer depending on your desired tenderness), stirring regularly.
- Once done, stir and then taste the broth and the greens. (add a little water if the broth is too bold for your liking)
- Stir in vinegar and smoked salt, and black pepper if desired.
- Serve collard greens with pieces of the smoked turkey leg and hot sauce if desired.
COLLARD GREENS - IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!
Collards are among the oldest members of the cabbage family! Vegetarians can skip the bacon and use smoke flavoring and use a veggie broth in place of the chicken broth. I find this is one green that you do have to cook a while. The flavor is between cabbage and kale. They are low in calories. A rich source of fiber, vitamin C and calcium, and protects you against cancer.
Provided by Rita1652
Categories Collard Greens
Time 40m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a deep pot brown bacon add onion and garlic and optional sugar to fried bacon.
- Add collards layering with spices to fried bacon add broth and cover pot and cook until tender over medium heat for about 30 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
GRANDMA'S SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS
My grandmother made the best southern collard greens recipe in the world. Eating them with a slice of buttermilk cornbread is pure bliss. -Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 2h30m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat 1 tablespoon lard over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender. Add ham hocks, water, seasoned salt, pepper flakes, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until meat is tender, 55-60 minutes., Add collard greens, wine, and remaining 1 Tbsp. lard. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until greens are very tender, 55-60 minutes. Remove meat from bones; finely chop and return to pan. Discard bones. Serve with a slotted spoon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 204 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 849mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 10g protein.
Tips:
- Select the freshest collard greens: Look for vibrant, dark green leaves that are free from blemishes or yellowing.
- Wash the collard greens thoroughly: Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Remove the tough stems: Cut the stems off the collard greens, as they can be tough and fibrous.
- Chop the collard greens into bite-sized pieces: This will help them cook evenly.
- Use a variety of cooking methods: Collard greens can be boiled, steamed, braised, or sautéed. Experiment with different methods to find your favorite way to enjoy them.
- Add flavorful ingredients: Collard greens pair well with a variety of flavors, such as bacon, ham, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create a dish that suits your taste.
- Cook collard greens until they are tender: Collard greens should be cooked until they are tender but still retain a slight crunch. Overcooking can make them mushy.
- Serve collard greens as a side dish or main course: Collard greens can be served as a side dish to accompany a variety of main courses, such as fried chicken, pork chops, or fish. They can also be used as a main course when served with a side of cornbread or rice.
Conclusion:
Collard greens are a delicious and nutritious leafy green vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they have been shown to have a number of health benefits. So next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful dish to add to your meal plan, reach for some collard greens!
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