Country-style Collard Greens

Introduction

History

Collard greens have been a part of Southern cuisine for centuries, with roots in African and Native American cooking traditions. The practice of cooking collard greens with smoked pork neck bones dates back to the days of slavery, when African slaves would use the leftover scraps of meat to flavor and season their vegetables. This cooking technique has been passed down through generations and remains a beloved tradition in Southern cooking.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the tough stems from the collard greens before cooking, as they can be chewy and unpleasant to eat.

- For a richer flavor, you can use ham hocks or bacon instead of smoked pork neck bones.

- Adjust the amount of salt to taste, as smoked pork neck bones can be quite salty on their own.

Serving Suggestions

Country-style collard greens are traditionally served with cornbread, fried chicken, and other Southern dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the collard greens with smoked pork neck bones infuses the dish with rich, smoky flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute ham hocks or bacon for the smoked pork neck bones.

- Use kale or mustard greens instead of collard greens.

Make Ahead Tips

Country-style collard greens can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve country-style collard greens in a large serving bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Country-style collard greens pair well with fried chicken, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and other classic Southern dishes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover collard greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of country-style collard greens contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of country-style collard greens contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of country-style collard greens contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of country-style collard greens contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Collard greens are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Country-style collard greens are a nutritious and delicious side dish that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Country-style collard greens are a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for any Southern meal. With a rich history and a hearty flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Country-style Collard Greens. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished a busy morning at the local farmer's market. As I was packing up my bags of fresh produce, a friendly elderly woman approached me and struck up a conversation about my love for cooking.

She told me that she was a retired chef and had a passion for sharing her favorite recipes with others. Intrigued, I eagerly listened as she began to describe her recipe for Country-style Collard Greens. She explained that it was a classic Southern dish that had been passed down through her family for generations.

As she spoke, I could see the twinkle in her eye and the smile on her face as she recounted fond memories of cooking with her loved ones. I could feel her genuine love for this recipe, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

The kind woman graciously offered to write down the recipe for me, and I eagerly accepted. She handed me a worn piece of paper with faded ink, filled with detailed instructions and a list of ingredients. I thanked her profusely and promised to give the recipe a try in my own kitchen.

When I got home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients and getting to work. I carefully followed the instructions, chopping the collard greens, sautéing the onions and garlic, and simmering the pot of greens until they were tender and flavorful.

As the rich aroma of the greens filled my kitchen, I couldn't help but think of the kind woman at the farmer's market who had shared this recipe with me. I felt a deep sense of connection to her and to the generations of cooks who had lovingly prepared this dish before me.

When the collard greens were finally ready, I eagerly served myself a heaping spoonful and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet. I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment at successfully recreating the recipe.

From that day on, Country-style Collard Greens became a staple in my kitchen. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time I cooked them, I would think of the kind woman who had shared the recipe with me and feel grateful for her generosity.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my skills and experiment with different variations of the recipe. I added bacon for extra richness, a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick, and even a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat. Each new twist brought me closer to perfecting the dish and making it truly my own.

Now, whenever I make Country-style Collard Greens, I think back to that warm summer day at the farmer's market and the serendipitous encounter that led me to this beloved recipe. I am grateful for the kind woman who shared her culinary wisdom with me and inspired me to continue exploring the world of cooking. And I am proud to carry on the tradition of making this delicious dish for my family and friends, creating new memories and passing down a love of good food from one generation to the next.

Categories

| American Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Collard Greens Recipes |

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