When it comes to holiday meals, many families have their own traditions and dishes that they look forward to every year. For some, it may be a classic ham or turkey, while others may opt for a non-traditional option like lasagna or tamales. However, if you're looking to add a new and delicious dish to your Christmas feast, consider adding collard greens to your menu. Not only are these leafy greens packed with nutrients, but they also add a unique and flavorful twist to the holiday table. In this article, we'll share a delicious collard greens Christmas recipe that will have your guests begging for more!
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and for good reason. This leafy green is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a must-have on any dinner table. While there are many variations of Southern collard greens, here are 10 of the best beer can chicken recipes that incorporate this delicious ingredient.
The classic Southern collard greens recipe is a tried and true favorite. It typically includes ingredients such as bacon, onions, and garlic, giving the greens a savory and smoky flavor. To add a twist, try using pancetta instead of bacon for an even richer taste.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a flavorful dish, the simple Southern collard greens recipe is the way to go. This recipe uses minimal ingredients, such as chicken broth and hot sauce, to create a delicious and quick side dish.
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Mary's Healthy Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt
For those looking for a healthier option, Mary's healthy Southern collard greens recipe is the perfect choice. This recipe uses vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar instead of traditional bacon and chicken broth, making it a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
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Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Ham Hocks, Water, Large Red Bell
Ham hocks are a popular ingredient in Southern collard greens, and for good reason. The smoked ham flavor adds a depth of flavor to the dish that is hard to resist. This recipe also calls for pinto beans for added protein and texture.
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Vegan Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Small Yellow Onion, Garlic, Vegetable Broth, Smoked
For our vegan friends, this Southern collard greens recipe is sure to please. It uses vegetable broth and liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of traditional recipes. Add in some chickpeas for a protein boost and you've got a delicious and healthy dish.
If you want to come home to a house filled with the aroma of delicious collard greens, try this slow cooker recipe. Let the collard greens simmer all day and come home to a flavorful and tender side dish. Don't forget to add some apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.
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Instant Pot Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Collard Greens
For those who love the convenience of the Instant Pot, this recipe is for you. In just 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful batch of Southern collard greens ready to serve alongside your beer can chicken. Don't forget to add some hot sauce for a bit of heat.
For beginners in the kitchen, this easy Southern collard greens recipe is a great place to start. It uses frozen collard greens for convenience and bacon fat for added flavor. Serve it up with some cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
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True Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, Large White Onions, Garlic, Collard
For those who want to stick to traditional Southern cooking, this recipe is the way to go. It uses all the classic ingredients, including ham hocks, bacon, and chicken broth, to create a dish that is true to its roots. Serve it up with some black-eyed peas for a complete meal.
Why Collard Greens?
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, but they often get overlooked during the holiday season. However, these hearty greens are the perfect addition to any Christmas meal. Not only do they provide a pop of color on the dinner table, but they also offer a variety of health benefits. Collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, calcium, and iron. Incorporating them into your holiday meal is a great way to balance out some of the heavier dishes typically served during this time of year.
Collard Greens Christmas Recipe
Now, onto the main event - the delicious collard greens recipe that will have your taste buds singing. Start by washing and removing the tough stems from a large bunch of collard greens. Cut the leaves into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. In a large pot, cook a few slices of chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
Next, add diced onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until they become fragrant. Then, add the collard greens, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to the pot. Stir everything together and let the collard greens cook down for about 10 minutes. Finally, add the crispy bacon back to the pot and let everything simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Collard greens are a versatile dish, and you can customize this recipe to your liking. You can add more spices or even some smoked meats for added flavor. You can also make this dish vegetarian-friendly by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Serve the collard greens hot as a delicious side dish or add them to your Christmas leftovers for a tasty twist.
In Conclusion
This collard greens Christmas recipe is not only delicious, but it's also a great way to incorporate some healthy greens into your holiday feast. The combination of savory bacon, tangy vinegar, and spicy red pepper flakes creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your guests wanting more. So, add a little Southern charm to your Christmas dinner this year and give this collard greens recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
