New Year's Collard Greens

New Year's Collard Greens Recipe - Traditional Southern Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

New Year's Collard Greens is a traditional Southern dish that is believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. This hearty and flavorful dish is made with collard greens, lean pork, and a few simple seasonings.

History

Collard greens have been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries. The tradition of eating collard greens on New Year's Day dates back to the Civil War era when they were one of the few vegetables that were readily available during the winter months. It is believed that the green color of the collards symbolizes money and the pork represents progress and prosperity.

Ingredients

1 bunch (5 lb or 2.27 kg) of collard greens
0.5 lb or 227 g of lean pork
2 qt or 1.89 liter of water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp of seasoned salt
1 tsp of sugar
1 tsp of vinegar

How to prepare

Check the leaves of collards carefully; remove any pulpy stems and discolored spots on the leaves.
Thoroughly wash the leaves, drain them well, and chop them. Set aside.
Cut the pork into slices that are 0.5 inches thick.
Cook the pork in an 8 qt (7.57 liter) dutch oven until it turns golden brown.
Slowly add water and bring it to a boil.
Add the collards and other ingredients.
Cover the dutch oven, reduce the heat, and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until the collards are tender, stirring occasionally.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Add smoked turkey or ham hock for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove any tough stems and discolored spots from the collard greens before cooking.

- Cooking the pork until it is golden brown will add depth of flavor to the dish.

- Simmering the collard greens slowly will help them become tender and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

New Year's Collard Greens can be served as a side dish with cornbread, black-eyed peas, and fried chicken for a traditional Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow simmering the collard greens will help them become tender and flavorful.

- Cooking the pork until it is golden brown will add depth of flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use kale or mustard greens instead of collard greens.

- Use chicken or turkey instead of pork.

Make Ahead Tips

New Year's Collard Greens can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve New Year's Collard Greens in a large serving bowl garnished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

New Year's Collard Greens pairs well with cornbread, black-eyed peas, and fried chicken for a traditional Southern meal.

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 New Year's Collard Greens contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of New Year's Collard Greens contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of New Year's Collard Greens contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of New Year's Collard Greens contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains pork.

Summary

New Year's Collard Greens is a nutritious dish that is high in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, and a good source of protein.

Summary

New Year's Collard Greens is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for celebrating the New Year. This traditional Southern recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy this dish with your family and friends for a prosperous and lucky year ahead!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a chilly winter evening, just a few days before New Year's, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for inspiration for our family's holiday meal. As I shuffled through the faded index cards and tattered magazine clippings, my eyes landed on a handwritten note tucked away in the corner. It was a recipe for New Year's Collard Greens, passed down to me by my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins.

Mrs. Jenkins was a vibrant woman with a passion for cooking. She was always experimenting in the kitchen, trying out new recipes and sharing her culinary creations with friends and neighbors. I had met her at a local church function many years ago, and we quickly bonded over our love of food and family. She had a knack for taking simple ingredients and turning them into delicious dishes that brought people together.

I remember the day she taught me how to make her famous collard greens. We were in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aroma of simmering spices and savory greens. As she chopped and stirred, she shared stories of her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe to her many years ago. She spoke fondly of the tradition of serving collard greens on New Year's Day, a symbol of prosperity and good luck for the coming year.

Mrs. Jenkins took the time to explain each step of the recipe to me, from washing and chopping the greens to simmering them slowly with bacon, onions, and a touch of vinegar. She emphasized the importance of seasoning the greens just right, balancing the flavors of sweet, salty, and tangy to create a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. As we cooked together, I could feel her passion for food and family shining through in every gesture and word.

After hours of cooking and chatting, we finally sat down to enjoy a steaming bowl of collard greens, served with a side of cornbread and hot sauce. The flavors were rich and complex, the greens tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of kick from the vinegar and spice. As we savored each bite, Mrs. Jenkins shared more stories of her family and the traditions that had shaped her love of cooking. I felt grateful to be a part of that moment, to learn from her wisdom and experience, and to carry on the tradition of serving collard greens on New Year's Day.

Since that day, I have made Mrs. Jenkins' collard greens every New Year's, honoring her memory and sharing her recipe with my own family and friends. Each time I prepare the dish, I feel a connection to her and to the generations of cooks who have come before us, passing down their knowledge and love through the simple act of sharing a meal. And as we gather around the table to enjoy the collard greens together, I am reminded of the power of food to bring us closer, to nourish not only our bodies but also our hearts and souls.

So this New Year's, as you sit down to enjoy a bowl of collard greens with your loved ones, remember the story behind the recipe, the love and tradition that have been woven into every leaf and every bite. And may the flavors of prosperity and good luck linger in your home throughout the coming year, bringing you joy, abundance, and the warmth of shared meals and cherished memories. Happy cooking, and happy New Year!