Soulful Greens

Soulful Greens Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Soulful Greens is a classic Southern dish that is both nutritious and delicious. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of collard greens with the tangy sweetness of orange juice, creating a dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Collard greens have been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries. Originally brought to the United States by African slaves, collard greens have since become a beloved dish in the South. This recipe puts a modern twist on the traditional preparation of collard greens, adding orange juice for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of low-sodium chicken broth
0.75 cup of water
2 lb (907 g) of collard greens, washed and stems removed
1.5 cup of sliced red onions
1 minced garlic clove
0.25 cup of orange juice
0.5 tsp of dried red pepper flakes

How to prepare

Heat the chicken broth and water in a large pot. Bring it to a boil. Add the collards and cook for 10 minutes.
Sauté the garlic and onions for 5 minutes in a skillet.
Add the orange juice and wilted greens. Stir until they are well coated. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and serve.

Variations

If you can't find collard greens, you can try this recipe with mustard greens, kale, spinach, or broccoli rabe.
For a spicy kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the greens. You can also experiment with different types of citrus juice, such as lemon or lime, for a unique flavor profile.

Notes

Soak collard greens in water to remove dirt and grit. Rinse until the water is clear.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your collard greens are tender and flavorful, be sure to remove the tough stems before cooking. Additionally, sautéing the garlic and onions before adding them to the greens will help to enhance their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Soulful Greens can be served as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or fish. They also make a great addition to a vegetarian meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making tender collard greens is to cook them low and slow. Simmering the greens in the orange juice allows them to absorb the flavors while becoming tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have collard greens on hand, you can substitute kale or Swiss chard in this recipe. You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

Soulful Greens can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the cooked greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Soulful Greens in a decorative serving dish garnished with a slice of orange for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle with additional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Pairing Recommendations

Soulful Greens pair well with a variety of dishes, including roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or blackened shrimp. They also make a great side dish for a barbecue or picnic.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Soulful Greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the greens in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Soulful Greens contains approximately 50 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Soulful Greens contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Soulful Greens contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Soulful Greens contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens.

Summary

Soulful Greens is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Soulful Greens is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a healthy side dish or a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Soulful Greens. It was a sunny afternoon in the late 1960s, and I was visiting my dear friend Mrs. Jenkins. Mrs. Jenkins was a fantastic cook, and she always had a way of making the simplest ingredients taste absolutely delicious.

As I sat in Mrs. Jenkins' cozy kitchen, the aroma of simmering greens filled the room. I watched as she lovingly tended to the pot, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that with a knowing smile on her face. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making.

"These are my famous Soulful Greens, dear," Mrs. Jenkins replied with a twinkle in her eye. "They're a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Would you like to learn how to make them?"

I eagerly agreed, and Mrs. Jenkins guided me through the process step by step. She explained that Soulful Greens were a staple in Southern cooking, made with fresh collard greens, smoked ham hocks, and a secret blend of spices that gave them their unique flavor.

As I helped Mrs. Jenkins chop the greens and season the pot, I listened intently to her stories about her own grandmother, who had taught her how to make the dish when she was just a young girl. Mrs. Jenkins' grandmother had passed down the recipe to her, and now she was passing it down to me.

After a few hours of simmering on the stove, the Soulful Greens were finally ready. Mrs. Jenkins served them up in a big, steaming bowl and we sat down at her kitchen table to enjoy a comforting meal together. The greens were tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of smoky richness from the ham hocks.

As I savored each bite, I felt a sense of connection to my own family history. I could imagine generations of women before me, standing over a pot of simmering greens and passing down their culinary knowledge from one to the next. It was a beautiful tradition, and I was honored to be a part of it.

From that day on, Soulful Greens became a regular dish in my own kitchen. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always thinking of Mrs. Jenkins and the day she shared her recipe with me. I added my own twist to the dish over the years, experimenting with different seasonings and variations to make it my own.

As time passed, I shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, just as Mrs. Jenkins had shared it with me. I taught them how to chop the greens, season the pot, and simmer it to perfection, passing down the knowledge that had been entrusted to me so many years ago.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen and prepare a pot of Soulful Greens, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the women who came before me. The recipe may have been handed down through generations, but each time I make it, I add a little piece of myself to the dish.

Soulful Greens will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of tradition, family, and good food. And as I take a taste of the tender greens, I can't help but smile and think of Mrs. Jenkins, my dear friend who first introduced me to this soul-satisfying dish.