Colombian Collards and Tomatoes Recipe

Collards and Tomatoes

Colombian Collards and Tomatoes Recipe
Region / culture: Colombia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Collards and Tomatoes
Collards and Tomatoes

Collards and tomatoes is a classic Southern dish that combines the earthy flavor of collard greens with the tangy sweetness of tomatoes. This recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy these two ingredients together.

History

Collards and tomatoes have been a staple in Southern cuisine for generations. The combination of collard greens and tomatoes is a perfect example of how traditional ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and nutritious dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Rinse the torn leaves without shaking or drying them. Place them in a pot or pan and let them wilt.
  2. Add Italian seasoning and chopped tomatoes, and continue heating for approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Add as much liquid as desired.
  4. Heat for an additional 2 - 3 minutes.

Variations

  • For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish. You can also add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When cooking collards and tomatoes, be sure to rinse the torn leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Wilt the collard greens before adding the tomatoes to ensure that they cook evenly. Adjust the amount of liquid added to achieve your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Collards and tomatoes can be served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. They also make a great topping for rice or quinoa.

Cooking Techniques

Wilt the collard greens before adding the tomatoes to ensure that they cook evenly. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Italian seasoning on hand, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.

Make Ahead Tips

Collards and tomatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Presentation Ideas

Serve collards and tomatoes in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs.

Pairing Recommendations

Collards and tomatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of collards and tomatoes contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Collards and tomatoes are a low-carb dish, making them a great option for those following a low-carb diet. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, with only a small amount coming from the Italian seasoning used in the recipe.

Proteins

Collards and tomatoes are a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 5 grams.

Vitamins and minerals

Collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens like nuts, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Collards and tomatoes are a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in carbs and fat, but high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Collards and tomatoes is a simple and delicious dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients. Enjoy this classic Southern recipe as a side dish or main course.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy little kitchen. Martha was a wonderful cook, and she always seemed to have a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me. On this particular day, she was making a dish that I had never tried before - Collards and Tomatoes.

As I watched Martha chop the collard greens and dice the tomatoes, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the combination of flavors and textures. The earthy greens paired with the sweet acidity of the tomatoes seemed like a match made in culinary heaven. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Martha, being the generous soul that she was, was more than happy to teach me her recipe. She walked me through each step, explaining the importance of seasoning and simmering the collards just right to achieve that perfect balance of flavors. As the dish cooked on the stove, filling the kitchen with its delicious aroma, Martha and I chatted and laughed like old times.

When the collards and tomatoes were finally ready, Martha served us each a steaming bowlful. The first bite was like a revelation. The collards were tender and flavorful, the tomatoes bursting with juices. It was a simple dish, yet it packed a punch of flavor that left me wanting more. I asked Martha for the recipe, and she gladly wrote it down for me on a piece of yellowed paper.

Over the years, I have made Martha's Collards and Tomatoes countless times. It has become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I turn to whenever I need a little taste of comfort. I have served it to family and friends, who have all raved about its deliciousness. And every time I make it, I think of Martha and the day she introduced me to this wonderful recipe.

But Martha wasn't the only one who played a role in my culinary journey. My own mother, bless her soul, was also a fantastic cook who taught me many of the recipes that I cherish to this day. Among them was her version of Collards and Tomatoes, which had a few twists of its own.

My mother grew up in the South, where collard greens were a staple in every household. She learned to cook from her own mother, who passed down the recipe for Collards and Tomatoes through the generations. When I was a young girl, my mother would often make this dish for our family, serving it alongside a plate of cornbread and fried chicken.

I remember watching my mother in the kitchen, her hands moving deftly as she prepared the collards and tomatoes. She would hum a tune as she worked, the smell of simmering greens filling the air. And when the dish was finally ready, she would call us to the table, where we would all sit down together to enjoy a meal made with love.

As I grew older, I began to help my mother in the kitchen, learning the secrets of her recipes. I watched as she seasoned the collards with just the right amount of salt and pepper, as she added a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors. And when it came time to serve the dish, I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had a hand in creating something so delicious.

My mother's Collards and Tomatoes recipe has become a cherished family tradition, one that I now pass down to my own grandchildren. I teach them the importance of using fresh ingredients, of cooking with care and attention to detail. And as we sit down together to enjoy a steaming bowl of collards and tomatoes, I see the same joy in their eyes that I once felt when my mother served me this dish.

In the end, I realize that the recipe for Collards and Tomatoes is not just a list of ingredients and instructions. It is a story, a connection to the past that links me to the women who came before me. Martha, my mother, my grandmother - each of them has left a mark on this dish, shaping it into something more than just food.

So as I stand in my own kitchen, chopping collard greens and dicing tomatoes, I feel a sense of gratitude for all the women who have shared their recipes with me. I take a moment to savor the aroma of simmering greens, the sound of laughter and conversation filling the air. And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Collards and Tomatoes, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that will live on for generations to come.

Categories

| Collard Greens Recipes | Collard Greens Side Dish Recipes | Colombian Recipes | Colombian Vegetarian | Healthy Side Dishes | Tomato Recipes | Tomato Side Dish Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |

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