North Carolina Collard Soup

North Carolina Collard Soup Recipe - A Hearty and Authentic American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

North Carolina Collard Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

History

Collard greens have been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries, and this soup is a classic way to enjoy them. The combination of collard greens, potatoes, and sausage creates a delicious and filling dish that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

1 bunch of collard greens (without stems, chopped)
5 potatoes (cut and peeled)
1 can of chicken soup or bullion cubes
2 onions (chopped)
salt and pepper to taste
precooked pieces of ham or sausage, as desired

How to prepare

Fill a large pot with enough water to boil all the ingredients.
Add greens, potatoes, soup (or cubes), onions, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook on the stove for 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
Next, add ham pieces or tiny sausages to the pot and boil for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve with corn bread for a delicious and comforting meal.

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables, spices, or meats to suit your taste preferences. Try adding carrots, celery, or smoked paprika for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add even more flavor to this soup, try using homemade chicken broth instead of canned soup or bullion cubes. You can also experiment with different types of sausage to find the perfect flavor combination for your taste buds.

Serving Suggestions

Serve North Carolina Collard Soup with a side of cornbread for a complete and comforting meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the ingredients together allows the flavors to meld and creates a rich and flavorful broth for the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute kale or spinach for the collard greens, and any type of sausage or ham for the meat in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of North Carolina Collard Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of North Carolina Collard Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of North Carolina Collard Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of North Carolina Collard Soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of North Carolina Collard Soup contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Collard greens are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron. This soup is a nutritious way to get your daily dose of these essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the cornbread, and potential allergens from the sausage. Be sure to check for any specific allergens in the ingredients you use.

Summary

North Carolina Collard Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein. It is a great choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

North Carolina Collard Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for North Carolina Collard Soup. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary in the quaint town of Asheville. Mary had invited me over for lunch, and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma.

Mary was standing at the stove, stirring a large pot of simmering broth. The scent of garlic, onions, and smoked ham filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I asked her what she was making, and she simply replied, "North Carolina Collard Soup."

I had never heard of this soup before, but as Mary continued to cook and explain the recipe to me, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. She told me that the key to a delicious collard soup was the combination of fresh ingredients and slow cooking. She also shared with me that this recipe had been passed down in her family for generations, originating from her great-great-grandmother who hailed from the mountains of North Carolina.

As I watched Mary work her magic in the kitchen, I made mental notes of each step she took. She started by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in a large pot until they were fragrant and golden. Then, she added diced smoked ham and let it brown slightly before pouring in homemade chicken broth.

Next came the star ingredient - the collard greens. Mary had already washed and chopped them into bite-sized pieces, and she added them to the pot, stirring them until they wilted and softened. The aroma of the collards mixing with the other ingredients was intoxicating.

Mary then seasoned the soup with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. She let the soup simmer on low for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop into a rich, hearty broth.

Finally, she ladled the soup into bowls and garnished each serving with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The first spoonful I took was like a taste of heaven - the collards were tender, the broth was savory, and the smoked ham added a depth of flavor that was simply divine.

After lunch, Mary graciously wrote down the recipe for me, and I promised her that I would make it for my family back home in the city. As I left her house that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the North Carolina Collard Soup and how it had brought me closer to my friend and her family history.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and recreating the soup in my own kitchen. As the soup simmered on the stove, filling my home with the same comforting aroma I had experienced at Mary's house, I felt a sense of connection to her and to the generations of women before her who had made this soup with love and care.

When my family sat down to eat that evening, their faces lit up with delight as they tasted the North Carolina Collard Soup for the first time. They couldn't believe how flavorful and satisfying it was, and they begged me to make it again soon.

And so, the recipe for North Carolina Collard Soup became a staple in my own repertoire, passed down from my dear friend Mary and her mountain ancestors. Each time I make it, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to honor the traditions of the past.

So now, whenever I cook this soup for my grandchildren, I tell them the story of how I learned to make it from Mary in Asheville, and how it has become a beloved family recipe that will hopefully be passed down for generations to come. And as we sit around the table, enjoying the warm, nourishing broth and tender collard greens, I know that we are not just sharing a meal - we are sharing a piece of our history and our hearts.