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Tender, savory collard greens simmered with smoky bacon and a tangy broth. A classic soul food side dish that's pure comfort in a bowl, perfect alongside cornbread and fried chicken.
Clean and Prepare the Greens
Render Bacon and Sauté Aromatics
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Tender, savory collard greens simmered with smoky bacon and a tangy broth. A classic soul food side dish that's pure comfort in a bowl, perfect alongside cornbread and fried chicken.
This southern recipe takes 110 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings. At 219.99 calories per serving with 15.26g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for side or dinner.
Wilt Greens and Build the Broth
Simmer to Tenderness
Final Seasoning and Serving
Omit the bacon. Sauté the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke along with the broth to replicate the smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Instead of bacon, use a smoked turkey wing, smoked turkey leg, or a ham hock. Add it to the pot with the broth and let it simmer with the greens. Shred any meat off the bone before serving.
Add a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onion, or increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end also works well.
Collard greens are one of the best dietary sources of Vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and plays a key role in building and maintaining strong bones.
Loaded with antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), collard greens help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
The high fiber content in collard greens supports digestive health, helps maintain regular bowel movements, and can contribute to feelings of fullness, aiding in weight management.
A one-cup serving of these Southern-style collard greens contains approximately 180-220 calories, primarily from the bacon and its rendered fat. The exact number can vary based on the thickness of the bacon and the amount of fat used.
Collard greens themselves are incredibly healthy, packed with vitamins K, A, C, and fiber. This traditional preparation adds saturated fat and sodium from the bacon. It can be part of a balanced diet, but for a healthier version, consider using smoked turkey or the vegetarian preparation method.
Absolutely. To make it vegetarian/vegan, omit the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing. Add 1 tsp of smoked paprika and a splash of liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
A slight bitterness is natural to collard greens. However, intense bitterness usually means they are undercooked. The long, slow simmering process is key to breaking down the fibers and mellowing the flavor. The apple cider vinegar and brown sugar in this recipe also help to balance any remaining bitterness.
The best method is to fill a clean sink with cold water, submerge the leaves, and swish them around to dislodge dirt. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow grit to sink to the bottom. Lift the greens out of the water rather than pouring them into a colander. Repeat this process until the water is completely clear.
'Pot likker' (or pot liquor) is the delicious, nutrient-dense broth left in the pot after the collard greens have finished cooking. It's infused with the flavors of the greens, smoked meat, and aromatics, and is traditionally enjoyed by sopping it up with cornbread.