15 Real Southern Collard Greens Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 13, 2024
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, known for their hearty and soulful flavors. This traditional dish has been passed down through generations and holds a special place in many homes. While there are countless variations of this recipe, a true Southern collard greens recipe brings together simple ingredients and a slow cooking method to produce a dish that is bursting with flavor and tradition. Here is a professional and well-organized introduction to creating your own authentic Southern collard greens.
Looking for a tasty and traditional side dish to pair with your beer can chicken? Look no further than these delicious Southern Collard Greens. This classic recipe takes tender collard greens and cooks them with flavorful ingredients like bacon, onions, and chicken broth to create a dish that is full of flavor and perfect for any meal.
For those who want to stick to the tried and true, this Classic Southern Collard Greens recipe is a must-try. It follows the traditional method of cooking collard greens with bacon and onions, but adds a touch of vinegar for a tangy kick. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a true Southern feast.
If you're looking for a quick and easy collard greens recipe, this Simple Southern Collard Greens is the one for you. With just a handful of ingredients, including chicken broth, bacon, and garlic, this recipe comes together in no time and is bursting with flavor. Your beer can chicken will thank you for this delicious side dish.
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Mary's Healthy Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt
If you're trying to eat healthier but still want to enjoy your favorite Southern dishes, give Mary's Healthy Southern Collard Greens a try. This recipe swaps out the bacon for turkey bacon and uses low-sodium chicken broth to keep the dish light and nutritious. Don't worry, the flavor is still there – your taste buds won't even miss the bacon!
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Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Ham Hocks, Water, Large Red Bell
For a heartier and more flavorful collard greens recipe, try this Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks. The ham hocks add a smoky depth of flavor to the dish, while the collard greens soak up all the delicious juices. This is the perfect side dish to complement your beer can chicken and take your meal to the next level.
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Vegan Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Small Yellow Onion, Garlic, Vegetable Broth, Smoked
Yes, even vegans can enjoy the deliciousness of Southern collard greens. This Vegan Southern Collard Greens recipe uses vegetable broth and vegan bacon to create a dish that is just as flavorful as the original. Impress your vegan friends with this tasty and animal-friendly side dish for your next beer can chicken dinner.
Don't have time to stand over the stove? Let your slow cooker do the work with this Slow Cooker Southern Collard Greens recipe. Simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result is tender and flavorful collard greens that pair perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Instant Pot Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Collard Greens
If you're more of an Instant Pot fan, this recipe is for you. These Instant Pot Southern Collard Greens are cooked to perfection in just 15 minutes. The pressure cooking method infuses the greens with flavor, and the result is a dish that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
For those days when you need a quick and easy side dish, try this Easy Southern Collard Greens recipe. With only six ingredients, including bacon, onions, and chicken broth, this dish is a breeze to make. But don't let the simplicity fool you – the flavors are anything but basic.
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True Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, Large White Onions, Garlic, Collard
Last but not least, we have the True Southern Collard Greens recipe. This is the real deal, cooked with all the traditional ingredients and methods that have been passed down for generations. This dish is a labor of love, but the result is a perfectly seasoned and soul-warming side dish that will complement your beer can chicken beautifully.
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Collard Greens
Collard greens are the star of this dish, so it's important to select the freshest and highest quality bunch you can find. Look for deep green, sturdy leaves with no signs of wilting or discoloration. If possible, opt for organic collard greens to ensure the best flavor and nutritional value.
Smoked Meat
Traditional Southern collard greens are made with smoked meat, such as ham hocks, bacon, or smoked turkey. These meats add a rich and smoky flavor to the dish, but also provide important seasoning and fat to the collard greens as they cook. Look for high-quality, well-seasoned smoked meat to add depth and complexity to your dish.
The Slow Cooking Method
Preparation
Before cooking, it's important to thoroughly wash and chop your collard greens. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Soak the greens in cold water for a few minutes to remove any grit or dirt, then rinse well. This step is crucial to ensure a clean and flavorful dish.
Cooking Process
A true Southern collard greens recipe requires a slow cooking method to allow the flavors to develop and the greens to become tender. This can be achieved by simmering the collard greens in a flavorful broth or stock, along with the smoked meat and any additional seasonings, for at least an hour. Some recipes even call for cooking the greens for several hours, resulting in a dish that is meltingly tender and full of complex flavors.
Serving and Enjoying
Pairing Suggestions
Collard greens are often served as a side dish to accompany other Southern favorites such as fried chicken, cornbread, and mac and cheese. They also pair well with grilled meats, seafood, or even as a vegetarian option alongside beans and rice.
Leftovers and Reheating
Collard greens are even more flavorful the next day, making them perfect for leftovers. Simply store any extra collard greens in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave. The flavors will continue to develop and intensify, making for a delicious and comforting meal.
In conclusion, a true Southern collard greens recipe is all about using fresh ingredients, slow cooking, and enjoying the final dish with family and friends. With these tips and a little bit of love, you can create a dish that is not only delicious but also steeped in tradition and soul. So go ahead, gather your loved ones and savor the flavors of the South with this classic collard greens recipe.
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