Collard greens are a staple in classic southern cuisine, often served as a side dish or incorporated into hearty dishes like stews and soups. These leafy greens are not only delicious, but they also offer a variety of health benefits. In this article, we will share a traditional collard greens recipe that has been passed down for generations in southern households.
No list of Southern food is complete without collard greens. This classic side dish has been a staple in Southern cooking for generations, and for good reason. Collard greens are a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal, and there are countless ways to prepare them. Whether you like them smoky, spicy, or simple, there's a collard greens recipe out there for you. Here are 14 of the best beer can chicken recipes that incorporate this beloved Southern ingredient.
This classic Southern collard greens recipe is a great place to start. It's a simple and traditional method that yields tender and flavorful greens. Start by cooking bacon in a large pot until it's crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot. Pro tip: save the bacon for garnish or snacking while you cook. Add chopped onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook until the onions are soft. Then add the collard greens and chicken broth and cook until the greens are wilted. Finally, add the bacon back into the pot and let everything simmer for about an hour. Serve with a dash of hot sauce for a little extra kick.
If you want to add a little more flavor to your collard greens, try this Southern style recipe. Start by cooking smoked turkey wings in a pot until they are tender. Then add chopped onions, garlic, and jalapeno peppers to the pot and cook until the onions are soft. Add the collard greens and chicken broth and let everything simmer for about an hour. The result is a spicy and smoky twist on the classic collard greens.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy some delicious collard greens, this simple recipe is for you. Start by cooking smoked ham hocks in a pot until they are tender. Pro tip: if you don't have ham hocks, you can use smoked ham or smoked turkey instead. Then add chopped onions, garlic, and apple cider vinegar to the pot and cook until the onions are soft. Add the collard greens and chicken broth and let everything cook for about 30 minutes. The result is a simple but flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
5of 14
Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Butter, Bacon, Small Onion, Collard Greens, Garlic
This recipe takes a slightly different approach to cooking collard greens. Start by cooking smoked ham hocks in a pot until they are tender. Then add chopped onions, garlic, and apple cider vinegar to the pot and cook until the onions are soft. Add the collard greens and chicken broth, as well as a can of beer, and let everything simmer for about an hour. The beer adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish, making it a perfect pairing for your beer can chicken.
6of 14
Mary's Healthy Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt
If you're looking for a healthier take on collard greens, this recipe is for you. Start by cooking smoked turkey in a pot until it's tender. Then add chopped onions, garlic, and apple cider vinegar to the pot and cook until the onions are soft. Add the collard greens and low-sodium chicken broth and let everything cook for about an hour. This recipe cuts back on the fat and sodium while still delivering all the flavor of traditional collard greens.
7of 14
Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Bacon, Country Ham, Small Onion, Reduced
If you're a fan of using your Instant Pot, this recipe is perfect for you. Start by cooking smoked ham hocks in the Instant Pot until they are tender. Then add chopped onions, garlic, and apple cider vinegar to the pot and cook until the onions are soft. Add the collard greens and chicken broth and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. This recipe cuts down on the cooking time without sacrificing any flavor.
If you want to take your collard greens to the next level, try this recipe. Start by cooking bacon in a large pot until it's crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot. Add chopped onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook until the onions are soft. Then add the collard greens, chicken broth, and beer and let everything simmer for about an hour. The result is a flavorful and slightly boozy dish that will impress any beer can chicken enthusiast.
9of 14
Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Ham Hocks, Water, Large Red Bell
This classic Southern recipe uses ham hocks to add a smoky flavor to the collard greens. Start by cooking the ham hocks in a pot until they are tender. Then add chopped onions, garlic, and apple cider vinegar to the pot and cook until the onions are soft. Add the collard greens and chicken broth and let everything simmer for about an hour. The result is a rich and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
10of 14
Grate's Great Collard Greens(Southern Collard Greens...
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Turkey Wing, Salt, White Sugar, Hot
This recipe comes from legendary pitmaster Chris Lilly and is a must-try for any barbecue lover. Start by cooking a ham hock on a smoker or grill until it's tender. Then add chopped onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes to a large pot and cook until the onions are soft. Add the collard greens, chicken broth, and beer to the pot, as well as the smoked ham hock. Let everything simmer for about an hour and a half, until the greens are tender. The result is a smoky and flavorful dish that will elevate your beer can chicken to new heights.
If you want to set it and forget it, try this slow cooker recipe for collard greens. Start by cooking bacon in a skillet until it's crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet. Add chopped onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook until the onions are soft. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and add the collard greens, chicken broth, and beer. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the greens are tender. The result is a delicious and hands-off dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your collard greens, try this Southern style recipe. Start by cooking smoked turkey in a pot until it's tender. Then add chopped onions, garlic, and jalapeno peppers to the pot and cook until the onions are soft. Add the collard greens and chicken broth and let everything simmer for about an hour. The result is a spicy and smoky twist on the classic collard greens.
13of 14
Southern Style Collard Greens - Soul Food
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Turkey Necks, Yellow Onion, Water
This classic Southern recipe for collard greens is a soul food staple. Start by cooking smoked ham hocks in a pot until they are tender. Then add chopped onions, garlic, and apple cider vinegar to the pot and cook until the onions are soft. Add the collard greens and chicken broth and let everything simmer for about an hour. The result is a rich and flavorful dish that will transport you to the heart of the South.
14of 14
Smoky Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Crushed Red Chile Flakes, Garlic, Collard
If you love a smoky flavor in your collard greens, this recipe is for you. Start by cooking bacon in a large pot until it's crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot. Add chopped onions, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook until the onions are soft. Then add the collard greens, chicken broth, and smoked paprika and let everything simmer for about an hour. The result is a dish that is bursting with smoky flavor and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
Preparation and Ingredients
Choosing the Right Collard Greens
When it comes to making the perfect collard greens, the first step is to choose the right greens. Look for fresh, vibrant collard greens with crisp leaves and no signs of wilting. It's best to buy them locally from a farmer's market or grocery store rather than purchasing pre-packaged greens, as they tend to lose their freshness and flavor.
Washing and Preparing the Greens
Once you have your fresh collard greens, it's time to wash and prepare them for cooking. Begin by rinsing the leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, remove the tough stems by folding the leaves in half and cutting them out with a sharp knife. You can also remove any tough veins in the leaves if desired. After preparing the greens, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Additional Ingredients
Apart from collard greens, you will need some additional ingredients to give your dish a delicious, southern flavor. These include bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. The bacon will add a smoky and savory taste, while the onion and garlic will provide a depth of flavor. The chicken broth will add a rich and savory base, and the apple cider vinegar will give a tangy and slightly sweet taste to balance out the dish.
Cooking Method
Bacon and Onion Base
The first step in cooking your collard greens is to cook the bacon and onion in a large pot. Cook the bacon until it is crispy and then remove it from the pot. In the same pot, cook the onion until it becomes translucent. This will create a flavorful base for your collard greens.
Adding the Greens and Broth
Once the onions are cooked, add the collard greens to the pot and stir them until they are coated in the bacon and onion mixture. Then, pour in the chicken broth, enough to cover the greens. Bring the broth to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover the pot and let the greens cook for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finishing Touches
After your greens have cooked down and become tender, it's time to add the finishing touches. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors. You can also add some diced ham or smoked turkey for additional protein and flavor. Let the greens cook for a few more minutes until they are fully seasoned and tender.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your collard greens are fully cooked, it's time to serve and enjoy them with your favorite southern dishes. These greens make a perfect side dish for fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or cornbread. You can also add them to soups, stews, or casseroles for a hearty and nutritious meal. This classic southern collard greens recipe is sure to become a family favorite and a staple in your kitchen.
