Southern Collard Greens – Experience the flavors of Classic Southern Collard Greens, a recipe that transports you to the heart of Southern cuisine. With its combination of bacon, fragrant onions and a touch of Cajun seasoning this dish promises to be a culinary delight, for your taste buds. Our collard greens are cooked to perfection resulting in a flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with main courses. In this post, we will guide you through each step of the recipe so that you can recreate this classic in your own kitchen. So gather around your cooking pot. Let’s embark on a journey into the world of Southern cooking!
The first time I prepared Southern Collard Greens my aim was to bring a taste of the South right into my kitchen. I still vividly remember how the savory aroma filled our home as the bacon and onions sizzled away creating an ambiance of warmth and comfort. My husband, who is truly passionate, about food eagerly awaited his first bite while my little one was captivated by the vibrant green hue of the collard greens. As we sat down to enjoy our meal each bite was met with approving nods and wide smiles around. The collard greens were a hit! The combination of the greens, smoky bacon and a touch of spiciness, from the Cajun seasoning was absolutely delightful. We were all captivated by this dish, which brought laughter and happiness. The collard greens quickly became a family favorite.
What makes this Southern Collard Greens truly exceptional?
This Classic Southern Collard Greens recipe is truly exceptional as it captures the flavors of the South at your dining table. The rich and robust taste of the smoky bacon perfectly harmonizes with the tender collard greens that have been simmered to perfection. A subtle kick of heat from the Cajun seasoning and crushed pepper adds enough spice to elevate the flavors. What makes it even better is its simplicity and ease in preparation making it accessible for those novice to cooking. Whether as a side dish or enjoyed on its own for a meal this dish promises an unforgettable experience, with its perfect balance of richness, smokiness, and spiciness – truly embodying Southern comfort food at its finest.
What You Need To Make This Southern Collard Greens Recipe?
Chopped Bacon: Bacon is what gives this dish its backbone infusing the greens with a flavor that truly captures the essence of Southern cuisine. Opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure it stands out and makes a statement in the dish.
Medium Onion: The onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth enhancing the elements of the bacon. Make sure to finely chop it so that it seamlessly blends into the dish creating a combination of flavors.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings a zesty kick elevating the taste and adding a hint of spice that perfectly balances out the richness of the other ingredients.
Collard Greens: The true star of this show is none, other than collard greens. When selecting them make sure they are fresh, vibrant, and have been thoroughly washed. Cutting them into pieces ensures even cooking and guarantees a perfect texture.
Chicken Broth: Acting as the cooking liquid chicken broth transforms these greens into a flavorful side dish. For best results be sure to use high-quality chicken broth.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness in the way providing essential acidity that brightens up every bite of this delightful dish.
Sugar: Just a touch of sugar helps balance out both the acidity from vinegar and any heat, from spices used in this recipe. This addition rounds out all flavors beautifully for an experience.
Cajun Seasoning: This is where our dish takes on its flair with its characteristic kick provided by Cajun seasoning. Adjust the amount to your liking but don’t hold back. It’s meant to have a kick!
Smoked Paprika: The smoked paprika adds a layer of smokiness and a gentle warmth enhancing the intricate flavors of the dish.
Crushed Red Pepper: For those who enjoy some spiciness the crushed red pepper takes it up a notch bringing a burst of heat that will make the dish truly memorable.
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Salt and Pepper: As the final touches, salt and pepper play a role, in harmonizing all the flavors and making them shine. Adjust according to your taste preferences. Feel free to be generous!
Steps To Make Southern Collard Greens:
Step 1: Begin by heating up a large Dutch oven or a sizable pan, over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon. Let it sizzle and brown filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Once the bacon is halfway starting to crisp up add the chopped onions. Allow the bacon to finish browning. The onions to soften into aromatic perfection.
Step 2: Next, it’s time for the garlic to join in on the fun. Give it a stir. Let it cook for about a minute. Remember to keep stirring so that we don’t have any unfortunate garlic casualties!
Step 3: Now add in the collard greens. You may be surprised by how many greens there are but prepare to be amazed as they wilt down becoming tender and bursting with flavor. Pour in some chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and those delightful spices – Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed pepper. Give everything a mix, cover it up, and let it simmer for 45 to 60 minutes. The goal is for the greens to become really soft while the liquid cooks down into a symphony of flavors.
Step 4: Once everything is cooked perfectly you may consider removing some of the liquid (or simply use a spoon). Take a taste. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Voila! You now have a pot filled with Southern Collard Greens ready to be the star of any meal. Serve it promptly for a dining experience!
Tip:
To take your Classic Southern Collard Greens to the next level why not try adding a ham hock or smoked turkey leg, to the pot along with the chicken broth? This is an age Southern technique that infuses the collard greens with an amazing depth of flavor and a subtle smokiness that beautifully complements the bacon. As the greens simmer, the meat from the ham hock or turkey leg becomes tender and flavorful adding a layer of richness to this dish. Once the greens are fully cooked you can remove the meat, shred it, and mix it back into the greens for a delicious twist on this recipe. This addition truly captures cooking at its finest ensuring your collard greens are bursting with flavor and have that touch that sets them apart.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure you can definitely make this recipe vegetarian! You have a couple of options. Substitute the bacon with a vegetarian alternative or simply omit it altogether. Additionally, to keep it vegetarian friendly you can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Can I use frozen collard greens instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! If you prefer using frozen collard greens instead of fresh ones that works perfectly fine. Just remember to thaw. Drain them thoroughly before incorporating them into the recipe. Also since frozen collard greens are already partially cooked you may want to reduce the cooking time.
What can I serve with Southern Collard Greens?
These Southern Collard Greens complement dishes. They go well with Southern favorites, like fried chicken, cornbread, or even a juicy pork chop. Furthermore, they make for a great side dish during Thanksgiving or, alongside any meal.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Southern Collard Greens
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 pound collard greens washed, trimmed, and cut
- 3 c chicken broth enough to cover the greens
- 1 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by chopping 8 slices of bacon and 1 medium-sized onion. Make sure to wash, trim and cut your collard greens into pieces.
- In a large Dutch oven or pan over medium heat cook the chopped bacon until it's fully browned. Then add the chopped onion. Continue cooking until the onion becomes soft.
- Next, add 3 cloves of garlic to the pot. Sauté, for about a minute while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- After that add the collard greens. Stir them until they start wilting and becoming softer.
- Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth into the pot. Add 1 1/2 tsp of apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp of sugar, ½ tsp of Cajun seasoning, ¼ tsp of smoked paprika and ¼ tsp of pepper. Cover the pot. Allow it to simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until the greens become very tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
- Before serving you can drain off most of the cooking liquid. Use a slotted spoon to serve the greens. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. For an experience serve immediately while hot and bursting with flavor.
- Indulge, in these Southern Collard Greens that are not only delicious but also deeply satisfying!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
