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+ servings

Southern-Style Collard Greens

A comforting and flavorful dish of collard greens, bacon, and spices, capturing the essence of Southern cooking and family traditions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine Southern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 bunch Collard greens Fresh, large collard greens, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 oz Bacon Thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and crunch
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 4 cups Chicken broth Or water, to cover the greens
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning
  • to taste Black pepper Freshly cracked
  • 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Adjust to spice preference
  • 1 tablespoon Vinegar For brightening flavors before serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse collard greens thoroughly to remove grit or dirt, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and reserve drippings.
  • In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Cooking

  • Add collard greens to the pot and stir them into the onion and garlic mixture.
  • Pour in enough chicken broth (or water) to cover the greens.
  • Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender.
  • Just before serving, stir in a splash of vinegar.
  • Crumble the crispy bacon on top before serving.

Notes

Use the freshest greens possible for best flavor. Be mindful of seasoning and adjust as needed. Longer simmering enhances flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1g
Keyword Collard Greens, Comfort Food, Family Recipe, Healthy Side, Southern Cooking
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