For many Southern families, no meal is complete without a side of braised greens. These hearty and flavorful greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, with variations found in dishes from collard greens to turnip greens. Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients, making them a great addition to any meal. If you've been wanting to try your hand at making this classic dish, look no further. This Southern braised greens recipe is easy to follow and will have you cooking up a pot of greens in no time.
If you're looking for a classic recipe that will transport you straight to the South, then look no further. These Southern greens are slow-cooked with a ham hock for added flavor and served with a side of cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience. It's like a hug in a bowl!
A staple in Southern cooking, collard greens are a must-try when it comes to beer can chicken. This recipe combines the smokiness of the grill with the tangy sweetness of apple cider vinegar for a mouth-watering dish that will have you coming back for seconds.
If you're looking for a little kick in your greens, then this Southern mustard greens recipe is for you. The addition of hot sauce and red pepper flakes gives these greens a spicy twist that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of beer can chicken.
While not your traditional green dish, these Southern-style mussels are a perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. The combination of garlic, lemon, and white wine creates a flavorful broth that's perfect for dipping crusty bread into.
5of 20
Southern-Style Mussels
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Country Ham, Small Onion, Garlic
Collard greens can be a tricky dish to get just right, but this recipe reveals the secret to achieving perfectly tender and flavorful greens every time. Hint: it involves a slow simmer and a little bit of patience.
6of 20
THE SECRET TO PERFECT SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS
Main Ingredients: Sweet Cream Butter, Bacon, Onion, Minced Garlic
Celebrate your next special occasion with this flavorful combination of collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens. The addition of bacon and hot sauce gives these greens a smoky and spicy kick that will have your taste buds dancing.
7of 20
Five-Year Anniversary and New Southern Greens
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Broth, Red Onion, Garlic, Ginger Root, Smoked
If you're looking for a dish that's packed with nutrients, then this recipe for Southern mixed greens is a must-try. The addition of turnips adds a unique twist to this classic dish, while the slow cooking method ensures maximum flavor.
8of 20
Southern Mixed Greens & Turnips
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Yellow Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic, Seasoning
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this elegant and delicious side dish. The combination of baked oysters, braised greens, and tangy hollandaise sauce creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress your guests.
9of 20
Baked Gulf Oysters with Country Ham, Braised Greens...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Country Ham, Onions, Garlic, Mustard
If you're a fan of Cajun flavors, then you'll love this unique twist on traditional gumbo. This recipe swaps out the usual protein for beer can chicken, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
10of 20
Green Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Flour, Chopped Onion, Chopped Green Bell
Vegans don't have to miss out on the beer can chicken fun with this delicious and hearty recipe. The combination of dirty rice and black-eyed peas creates a filling and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken or can be enjoyed on its own.
11of 20
Vegan Dirty Rice & Black-Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Onion, Celery, Green Bell Pepper, Vegan
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, then this recipe for posole with Southern greens is a must-try. The combination of chayote, dried cherries, and toasted pepitas adds a unique twist to this traditional Mexican dish.
12of 20
Posole with Southern Greens, Chayote, Dried Cherries,...
Main Ingredients: Posole, Vegetable Stock, Olive Oil, Diced Onions
Collard greens don't have to be bland and boring. This recipe reveals the secret to cooking collards that are both delicious and visually appealing. The addition of colorful bell peppers and carrots adds a pop of color to this Southern staple.
13of 20
How To Cook Collards That Are Tasty AND Pretty
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Greens, Olive Oil, Diced Ham, Garlic
Another great vegan option, this recipe for sloppy black-eyed peas is a delicious and filling dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The addition of liquid smoke gives these peas a rich and smoky flavor that will have you going back for seconds.
14of 20
Vegan Sloppy Black-Eyed Peas | The Great Vegan Bean...
Main Ingredients: Water, Black Eyed Peas, Carrots, Millet, Bell Pepper
Take your beer can chicken to the next level with this recipe for a savory and delicious cornmeal galette. The combination of cornmeal crust, collard greens, and bacon creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress.
15of 20
Southern Cornmeal Galette
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Cornmeal, Turbinado Sugar, Salt
If you're a fan of traditional Southern cooking, then this recipe for tried and true Southern greens is a must-have in your recipe collection. The addition of smoked turkey adds a unique twist to this classic dish.
16of 20
TRIED AND TRUE SOUTHERN GREENS
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham Hocks, Collard Greens, Mustard Greens
Celebrate the New Year with this flavorful and lucky dish of pork, black-eyed peas, and greens. This recipe combines all the traditional elements of a New Year's meal into one delicious and easy-to-make dish.
17of 20
New Year's Pork, Black-Eyed Peas and Greens
Main Ingredients: Pork Chops, Black Eyed Peas, Diced Tomatoes, Onion
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal, then this recipe for slow simmered black-eyed peas and greens is for you. The slow cooking method ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort.
18of 20
Slow Simmered Black Eyed Peas and Greens
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Celery
This recipe combines two Southern favorites – cheesy grits and greens – into one delicious and hearty dish. The addition of smoky mushrooms adds a unique twist and pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of beer can chicken.
19of 20
Cheesy Grits and Greens with Smoky Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Grits, Vegan Butter, Nutritional Yeast, Salt And Ground
For a quick and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken, try this recipe for sloppy black-eyed peas. The combination of bacon, black-eyed peas, and a tangy homemade sauce creates a flavorful and hearty dish that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
20of 20
Sloppy Black-Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Water, Black Eyed Peas, Carrots, Millet, Bell Pepper
This unique dish combines the sweetness of baked apples with the savory flavors of pork and Southern greens. The addition of apple cider vinegar adds a tangy and delicious twist.
The Secret to Perfectly Braised Greens
Choosing the Right Greens
When it comes to making braised greens, the first step is choosing the right greens. While collard greens are the most commonly used, you can also use turnip greens, mustard greens, or even kale. It's important to choose fresh, healthy greens that are free from any blemishes or wilted leaves. Look for dark green leaves that are crisp and not too tough.
Prepping the Greens
Once you have your chosen greens, it's time to prep them for cooking. Start by washing the greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Then, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial in ensuring that the greens cook evenly and are easy to eat.
The Perfect Braising Liquid
The key to creating a flavorful pot of braised greens is the braising liquid. Traditionally, this consists of a combination of water, chicken broth, and vinegar. However, you can also use vegetable broth or add in some bacon or ham for added flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
One of the most important steps in this recipe is allowing the greens to braise slowly. This process allows the flavors to fully develop and the greens to become tender. Be patient and resist the urge to turn up the heat, as this can result in tough and bitter greens. The end result will be worth the wait.
Make it Your Own
While this recipe is a classic and delicious way to prepare braised greens, don't be afraid to make it your own. Try adding in some onions, garlic, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor. You can also experiment with different types of broth or greens to find your perfect combination. The beauty of Southern cooking is that it's all about making it your own and adding your own personal touch.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the perfect pot of Southern braised greens, it's time to get cooking. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy this classic Southern dish with your next meal.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__simply_recipes__uploads__2012__04__green-gumbo-vertical-a-1200-f0ec95c39ffe4f2688cb0cee82f31fa8.jpg)
