Collard Greens
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.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 90 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Clean and prepare the greens
- b.Fill a clean sink with cold water. Submerge the collard greens and swish them around to loosen any grit. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes.
- c.Lift the greens out of the water, leaving the grit behind. Drain and rinse the sink, then repeat the process until the water is completely clear.
- d.Fold each leaf in half and slice out the tough stem. Stack the de-stemmed leaves, roll them up, and slice crosswise into 1-inch ribbons.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Render bacon and sauté aromatics
- b.Place a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and the fat has rendered, about 8-10 minutes.
- c.Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon to a plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
- d.Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- e.Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Wilt greens and build the broth
- b.Add the prepared collard greens to the pot in handfuls, stirring to coat in the bacon fat and allowing each batch to wilt before adding the next.
- c.Once all greens have wilted slightly, pour in the water and apple cider vinegar.
- d.Stir in the brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer to tenderness
- b.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the greens simmer for at least 60 to 90 minutes, until they are silky and tender.
- c.Stir every 20 minutes to prevent sticking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and serve
- b.Taste the greens and the broth, known as 'pot likker'. Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed.
- c.Serve hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon bits.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The most crucial step is washing the greens. Grit can hide in the crevices, so be thorough. Soaking is key!
- 2Don't skip the 'pot likker'! This nutrient-rich broth is considered a delicacy and is perfect for sopping up with cornbread.
- 3Patience is a virtue. A long, slow simmer is essential for breaking down the tough fibers in the greens and developing deep flavor.
- 4These greens are even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- 5For a smokier flavor, you can add a smoked ham hock or a smoked turkey wing to the pot and let it simmer with the greens.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the bacon. Sauté the onions in 2 tbsp of olive oil and add 1 tsp of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
healthyHealthy
Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon to reduce saturated fat, and omit the brown sugar for a lower-sugar version.
quickQuick
Use a pressure cooker. Sauté bacon and aromatics on the sauté function, then add greens and water. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
spicySpicy
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 tsp and add a finely chopped jalapeño along with the garlic for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin K
Collard greens are one of the best sources of Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and building strong bones.
Excellent Source of Fiber
The high fiber content in collard greens supports digestive health, helps maintain regular bowel movements, and can contribute to lower cholesterol levels.
Packed with Antioxidants
Loaded with Vitamin A and C, collard greens provide powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage and support a healthy immune system.
Supports Heart Health
The fiber and nutrients in collard greens can help manage blood pressure and cholesterol, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, collard greens are very healthy. They are a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins K, A, and C, as well as fiber and calcium. The preparation method with bacon adds fat and sodium, but it can still be part of a balanced meal.