Best 5 Quick Southern Collards Recipes

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In the realm of Southern cuisine, collard greens reign supreme, a culinary jewel that embodies the region's rich culinary heritage. These hearty, leafy greens, with their slightly bitter flavor and robust texture, have long been a staple on Southern tables, passed down through generations of home cooks. In this article, we present a collection of quick and flavorful Southern collard greens recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish.

From the traditional slow-cooked method to innovative variations that incorporate modern ingredients and cooking techniques, our recipes cater to every taste and skill level. Whether you prefer the classic combination of collard greens with smoked meats and spices or crave a lighter, healthier rendition, you're sure to find a recipe that satisfies your cravings. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavors of the South!

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

QUICK SOUTHERN COLLARDS



Quick Southern Collards image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 ounces bacon, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 to 2 bunches collard greens, washed, stems removed and chopped
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Place the bacon in cold 12-inch skillet. Heat the pan over medium heat and cook until the bacon is crispy and the fat is rendered. Once crispy, set aside on a paper-towel-lined plate. To the leftover bacon fat, add the red pepper and cook until softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Stack the leaves of collards and roll tightly into a cigar shape. Then chop away.
  • Add the collards to the pan along with the apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes and some salt and pepper and cook until tender, but still bright green, 4 to 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Toss with the reserved crispy bacon and serve.

QUICK SPICY COLLARDS



Quick Spicy Collards image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1/4 cup olive oil
2 pounds frozen collard greens, thawed
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Seasoned salt (recommended: Lawry's)
Freshly ground black pepper
5 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup chopped tomatoes

Steps:

  • Add the onions, garlic and olive oil to a medium skillet and saute until the onions are translucent. Stir in the collard greens, along with the rest of the ingredients, except for the chopped tomatoes, which should be added few minutes before serving. Simmer the collard mixture for 15 minutes, then stir in the tomatoes. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.
  • A viewer, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.

EASY COLLARD GREENS



Easy Collard Greens image

Easy southern collards the whole family will enjoy. Seasoning measurements are approximated; adjust to preferred taste.

Provided by tammyhart

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Greens

Time 2h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (1 pound) package washed and chopped collard greens
4 bacon slices, chopped
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 pinch cayenne pepper
water to cover

Steps:

  • Combine collard greens, bacon, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and cayenne pepper in a stock pot. Pour enough water over the greens mixture to cover completely. Bring the water to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook at a simmer until the greens are tender, about 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 94.5 calories, Carbohydrate 6.3 g, Cholesterol 9.7 mg, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 1006 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

SOUTHERN STYLE COLLARD GREENS



Southern Style Collard Greens image

Southern-style greens like my mama use to make.

Provided by tybright31

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Greens

Time 4h15m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 sweet onions, finely chopped
2 smoked ham hocks
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 (32 ounce) containers chicken broth
3 (1 pound) packages collard greens, trimmed
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

Steps:

  • Combine onions, ham hocks, and garlic in a stockpot; add chicken broth. Cook mixture over medium heat until meat is falling off the bone, about 2 hours.
  • Stir collard greens, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper into the broth mixture; cook until greens have reached desired tenderness, about 2 more hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 188.5 calories, Carbohydrate 14.2 g, Cholesterol 33.9 mg, Fat 9.7 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 11.8 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 1686.5 mg, Sugar 5.4 g

GRANDMA'S SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS



Grandma's Southern Collard Greens image

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

3 tablespoons lard or shortening, divided
1 large onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 pounds smoked ham hocks
6 cups water
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 to 3 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 large bunch collard greens (about 2 pounds), coarsely chopped
1-1/2 cups white wine

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 for Making Southern Collard Greens:

  • Choose fresh, tender collard greens. Look for leaves that are deep green and free of blemishes.
  • Wash the collard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Cut out the tough center stems.
  • Soak the collard greens in salted water for 30 minutes to help remove any bitterness.
  • Cook the collard greens in a large pot with plenty of liquid. You can use water, broth, or even coconut milk.
  • Add smoked meats, such as ham hocks, bacon, or sausage, to the pot for extra flavor.
  • Season the collard greens with salt, pepper, and other spices, such as garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes.
  • Cook the collard greens until they are tender but still have a little bite to them. This usually takes about 1-2 hours.
  • Serve the collard greens with cornbread, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Conclusion:

Southern collard greens are a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a healthy and flavorful dish to serve, give Southern collard greens a try!

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