10+ Collard Greens Thanksgiving Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 2, 2024
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks and enjoying delicious food with loved ones. While traditional dishes like turkey and mashed potatoes often steal the spotlight, it's important to not forget about incorporating healthy and flavorful dishes into our holiday meals. That's where collard greens come in. These leafy greens may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Thanksgiving, but they are a versatile and nutritious addition to any holiday spread. In this article, we'll share a delicious collard greens recipe that will have your guests asking for seconds. So let's get cooking and make this Thanksgiving a healthy and tasty one!
If you're a fan of down-home Southern cooking, then you've probably had collard greens at least once in your life. These hearty, leafy greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and are often served alongside dishes like fried chicken and mac and cheese. But did you know that you can take your collard greens to the next level by cooking them with beer? Yes, that's right – beer can chicken isn't the only recipe that can benefit from a little brew. In this article, we'll be sharing our top 10 favorite beer can chicken recipes for you to try at home. And first up on the list is our mouth-watering Southern collard greens recipe.
Let's start with a classic – a tried and true recipe for Southern collard greens. This recipe is simple and straightforward, letting the natural flavors of the collard greens shine through. To make this dish, you'll need a bunch of fresh collard greens, some bacon or ham hocks, and of course, a can of your favorite beer. The beer adds a subtle depth of flavor to the dish, making it a perfect addition to any Southern meal. Serve it up with some cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy some delicious collard greens, then this simple recipe is for you. All you need is a bag of pre-cut collard greens, a bottle of your favorite beer, and some seasoning. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a side dish for a backyard BBQ. The best part? It only takes about 20 minutes to make! So next time you're craving some Southern greens, don't reach for the canned stuff – try this simple and flavorful recipe instead.
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Mary's Healthy Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt
Collard greens are already packed with nutrients, but this recipe takes it to the next level by adding in some extra healthy ingredients. Mary's healthy Southern collard greens recipe incorporates superfoods like kale and quinoa, making it a powerhouse of nutrition. And of course, a can of beer is thrown into the mix to add a touch of flavor. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add more greens and whole grains into their diet without sacrificing taste.
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Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Ham Hocks, Water, Large Red Bell
Ham hocks are a classic ingredient in Southern cooking, and this recipe highlights their flavor perfectly. Tender collard greens are cooked low and slow with ham hocks and a can of beer, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that will have your taste buds singing. Serve this up with some mashed potatoes and gravy for a true Southern comfort meal that will warm your soul.
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Vegan Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Small Yellow Onion, Garlic, Vegetable Broth, Smoked
Yes, even vegans can enjoy beer can chicken recipes! This vegan Southern collard greens recipe doesn't use any meat or animal products, but still packs a punch of flavor. Instead of bacon or ham hocks, this recipe uses smoked paprika and liquid smoke to give the dish that signature smoky taste. And of course, a can of beer is added in for a touch of richness. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a plant-based version of this classic Southern dish.
If you love the convenience of a slow cooker, then you'll love this recipe for slow cooker Southern collard greens. Simply throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you'll have a delicious and flavorful dish waiting for you. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop and results in tender and melt-in-your-mouth collard greens. And of course, the beer adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
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Instant Pot Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Collard Greens
If you're an Instant Pot fan, then this recipe is for you. Using an Instant Pot allows you to cook collard greens in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop. This recipe uses bacon, onions, and a can of beer to create a flavorful broth for the collard greens to cook in. The result is perfectly cooked greens with a rich and savory broth that is perfect for dipping cornbread into.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy beer can chicken recipes but doesn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, you can have a delicious dish of Southern collard greens on your table in no time. This recipe uses a can of beer, some chicken broth, and a few spices to create a flavorful dish that pairs well with any Southern meal.
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True Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, Large White Onions, Garlic, Collard
Last but not least, we have a recipe for true Southern collard greens. This recipe uses a combination of bacon and ham hocks for a rich and smoky flavor. A can of beer is added in to enhance the flavors even more. This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a traditional and authentic Southern collard greens recipe. Serve it up with some cornbread and fried chicken for a meal that will transport you straight to the heart of the South.
Why Collard Greens for Thanksgiving?
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and have been enjoyed for generations. They are a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes other nutrient-packed vegetables like kale, broccoli, and cabbage. Collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber. These nutrients can help boost our immune system, improve digestion, and support bone health. So why not add these nutritional powerhouses to our Thanksgiving menu?
A Twist on Traditional Collard Greens
While collard greens are often cooked with pork or bacon, this Thanksgiving recipe puts a vegan spin on the classic dish. Begin by washing and chopping fresh collard greens into bite-sized pieces. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add in diced onion and minced garlic. Once the onions are translucent, add in the collard greens and stir until they are slightly wilted.
Next, add in vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup to the pot. These ingredients will add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the collard greens. Simmer for about 20 minutes until the greens are tender. For an extra kick of flavor, add in red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
Serving Suggestions
These collard greens are a delicious and nutritious addition to any Thanksgiving meal. They pair well with traditional dishes like turkey and mashed potatoes, but also add a pop of color and flavor to vegetarian or vegan meals. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of the greens before serving. Leftovers can also be enjoyed as a side dish or added to soups and stews.
In Conclusion
This Thanksgiving, don't forget to incorporate healthy and delicious dishes like collard greens into your holiday menu. This recipe is a vegan twist on a Southern classic and is sure to be a hit with your guests. So gather around the dinner table, give thanks, and enjoy this flavorful and nutritious dish. Happy Thanksgiving!