19 Collard Greens Jamaican Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
Collard greens are a staple in Jamaican cuisine that are packed with flavor and nutrition. These dark leafy greens are not only delicious, but they also have numerous health benefits. In this article, we will explore the popular Jamaican recipe for collard greens and learn how to make it at home. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and become a household favorite. So, let's dive in and discover the secrets to making delicious Jamaican collard greens.
Southern collard greens are a staple in many Southern households. This classic dish is often served at holiday gatherings, family reunions, and Sunday dinners. Collard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that are packed with nutrients and flavor. They are typically slow-cooked with smoked meats, such as ham hocks or bacon, to add a rich and smoky flavor to the dish. If you're looking for a hearty and delicious side dish, look no further than these Southern collard greens.
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Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Butter, Bacon, Small Onion, Collard Greens, Garlic
Collard greens are a member of the cabbage family and are often referred to as "the new kale." They are a nutrient-dense vegetable that is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber. Collard greens have a slightly bitter taste, but when cooked properly, they become tender and flavorful. They are also a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body against diseases.
There is no one "right" way to make collard greens, but there are a few key ingredients that are essential for achieving that classic Southern flavor. The first is smoked meat, such as ham hocks, bacon, or smoked turkey. This adds a depth of flavor to the greens as they cook. The second is a combination of onions, garlic, and peppers, which add a savory and slightly spicy element to the dish. And finally, a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce at the end of cooking adds a tangy kick that balances out the bitterness of the greens.
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Ye'abesha Gomen (Ethiopian Collard Greens)
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Cooking Oil, Minced Ginger, Minced
If you're looking to switch things up and try a new twist on collard greens, consider making Ye'abesha Gomen, an Ethiopian dish that features collard greens as the star ingredient. In this dish, the greens are sautéed with onions, garlic, and spices, such as turmeric, paprika, and ginger. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that pairs well with rice or injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread.
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Instant Pot Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Seasoned Salt, Crushed Red Pepper
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal, try making collard greens in your Instant Pot. This pressure cooker method cuts down on the cooking time and still produces tender and flavorful greens. Simply sauté your onions, garlic, and spices in the Instant Pot, add your collard greens and some chicken broth, and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Finish off with a splash of vinegar or hot sauce, and you have a quick and easy side dish that is sure to impress.
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Garlic Sauteed Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Garlic, Salt, Paprika
If you're looking for a simple and flavorful way to prepare collard greens, try sautéing them with garlic. This method is quick and easy and allows the greens to retain their bright green color and slightly crunchy texture. Simply heat some oil in a pan, add your garlic and collard greens, and cook until the greens are wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a delicious and healthy side dish.
You can't talk about collard greens without mentioning the classic Southern style. This version is slow-cooked with smoked meats, onions, garlic, and spices until the greens are tender and infused with a smoky and savory flavor. This dish is often served with cornbread and other Southern favorites, such as fried chicken or mac and cheese. It's a perfect side dish for any Southern-inspired meal.
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Slow Cooker Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Turkey Bacon, Onion, Minced Garlic, Chicken Broth
If you want to enjoy collard greens without having to tend to a pot on the stove, try making them in your slow cooker. This method allows you to set it and forget it, and the result is tender and flavorful greens. Simply add your collard greens, onions, garlic, and smoked meat to your slow cooker with some chicken broth, and cook on low for about 6 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the greens to become tender. Finish off with some vinegar or hot sauce for a delicious and easy side dish.
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The Best Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Bacon, Chicken Broth, Water, Onion
There are many variations of collard greens, but everyone has their own opinion on what makes the best version. Some prefer a more traditional Southern style, while others like to experiment with different spices and seasonings. Ultimately, the best collard greens are the ones that you enjoy the most. So don't be afraid to try different recipes and make adjustments to suit your taste buds.
If you're new to cooking collard greens, don't be intimidated. This dish may seem complex, but it's actually quite simple. All you need are a few key ingredients, some patience, and a love for Southern cooking. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to whip up a batch of delicious collard greens in no time.
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Sauteed Collard Greens with Bacon
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Bacon, Garlic, Collard Greens, Salt
Adding bacon to your collard greens is a surefire way to make them even more delicious. The smoky and salty flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter greens. Simply sauté your bacon in a pan until crispy, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté your onions, garlic, and collard greens until wilted. Add the bacon back in and season with salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar or hot sauce.
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Soul Food Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic Cloves, Green Pepper, Bell Pepper
Soul food is a type of cuisine that originated in African American communities in the Southern United States. It often includes dishes like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and, of course, collard greens. Soul food collard greens are typically slow-cooked with smoked meats, onions, garlic, and spices. The result is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to warm your soul.
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Mary's Healthy Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt
While traditional Southern collard greens are delicious, they can also be heavy and high in calories. If you're looking for a healthier version, try Mary's Healthy Southern Collard Greens. This recipe uses turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and substitutes chicken broth for the traditional pork-based broth. The result is a lighter and healthier dish that still packs a ton of flavor.
If you're looking for a recipe that is as Southern as it gets, try making these collard greens. This dish incorporates all of the classic ingredients, including smoked ham hocks, onions, garlic, and spices. It's a perfect dish to serve alongside other Southern favorites, and is sure to please any crowd.
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Collard Greens with Bacon
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Onion, Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Chicken
As mentioned earlier, adding bacon to your collard greens is a game-changer. The smoky and salty flavor of the bacon adds depth and richness to the dish. You can either cook the bacon separately and add it in at the end, or you can cook it with the onions and garlic for an even more flavorful base.
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Smoky Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Crushed Red Chile Flakes, Garlic, Collard
If you're a fan of smoky flavors, you'll love this twist on traditional collard greens. In addition to the usual smoked meats, this recipe also calls for smoked paprika, which adds another layer of smokiness to the dish. The result is a hearty and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Collard Greens with Smoked-Paprika Pot Likker
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Smoked
Pot likker is the flavorful liquid that is left behind after cooking collard greens. It's often considered the best part of the dish and can be used as a base for soups, stews, and other dishes. In this recipe, the pot likker is enhanced with smoked paprika, which adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the dish. Serve this with some cornbread to soak up all of that delicious pot likker.
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Jamaican Jerk Chicken & Maduros with Stewed Collard...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Collard Greens, Lime, Plantain, Red
This recipe takes collard greens to a whole new level by incorporating Jamaican flavors. The stewed collard greens are cooked with spices like allspice, cloves, and thyme, and are served alongside Jamaican jerk chicken and sweet plantains (maduros). The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors will transport you to the Caribbean with every bite.
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Jamaican Curry Chili with Purple Top Turnip, Collard...
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Pita, Turnip, Yellow Onion, Sweet Potato
If you're a fan of chili, you'll love this Jamaican-inspired version. It features collard greens, purple top turnips, and chickpeas, along with traditional Jamaican spices like curry powder, cumin, and ginger. The result is a hearty and flavorful chili that is perfect for a cozy night in.
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Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Collard Greens & Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Vegetable Broth, Collard Greens
Black-eyed pea stew is a traditional dish that is often served on New Year's Day for good luck. This recipe takes that tradition a step further by adding collard greens and potatoes to the mix. The result is a hearty and comforting stew that is packed with flavor and nutrients. Serve it with some cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
The Ingredients
To make Jamaican collard greens, you will need the following ingredients:
Collard greens - 1 bunch, washed and chopped
Coconut oil - 2 tablespoons
Onion - 1 medium, diced
Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
Thyme - 1 teaspoon, chopped
Scotch bonnet pepper - 1, seeded and chopped
Sea salt - 1 teaspoon
Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
Coconut milk - 1/2 cup
Why These Ingredients?
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the bold and flavorful dish that is Jamaican collard greens. Collard greens are the star of the show, providing a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Coconut oil adds a unique and authentic taste to the dish, while also offering numerous health benefits. Onions and garlic provide layers of flavor, while thyme adds an earthy and aromatic note. The addition of scotch bonnet pepper gives this dish its signature heat. Finally, coconut milk adds a creamy and velvety texture, balancing out the spiciness and adding a touch of sweetness.
Preparing the Collard Greens
To prepare the collard greens, start by washing and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Then, heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and cook until the onions are translucent. Then, add the chopped thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking the Collard Greens
Next, add the chopped collard greens to the pot and coat them with the onion and spice mixture. Allow the greens to cook for a few minutes until they start to wilt. Then, pour in the coconut milk and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the collard greens simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the collard greens are tender, they are ready to be served. This dish pairs well with traditional Jamaican recipes such as rice and peas or oxtail stew. However, it can also be enjoyed as a side dish with any meal. The flavors will only get better the next day, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
In conclusion, Jamaican collard greens are a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your tastes. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
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