Southern-style Collard Greens

Introduction

History

Collard greens have been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries. Originally brought to the United States by African slaves, collard greens quickly became a popular vegetable in the South due to their hearty texture and rich flavor. Today, collard greens are enjoyed by people all over the country as a delicious and nutritious side dish.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash the collard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

- Cutting the collard greens into smaller pieces will help them cook more quickly and evenly.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences - feel free to add more or less cayenne pepper for a spicier or milder dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the collard greens as a side dish with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu.

- Pair with cornbread or biscuits for a classic Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the collard greens in a flavorful broth helps to infuse them with delicious taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use soy sauce instead of tamari if you don't have it on hand.

- Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair with a glass of sweet tea or a cold beer for a refreshing beverage option.

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

- 120 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 10g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 4g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120% DV

- Vitamin C: 60% DV

- Calcium: 15% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and vegan.

Summary

This dish is low in calories and fat, but high in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and nutritious choice for your meal.

Summary

Southern-style collard greens are a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for any meal. With a blend of savory and sweet flavors, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, with her garden. As a thank you, she invited me into her kitchen and taught me how to make Southern-style Collard Greens.

Mrs. Jenkins was a sweet older lady with a twinkle in her eye and a passion for cooking. She had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. As she showed me how to clean and prepare the collard greens, I listened intently, eager to learn the secrets of this traditional Southern dish.

The first step was to wash the collard greens thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Mrs. Jenkins explained that the key to tender collard greens was to cook them low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together. She showed me how to sauté onions and garlic in a large pot, creating a fragrant base for the greens to cook in.

Next, Mrs. Jenkins added chicken broth, a ham hock, and a splash of vinegar to the pot. She explained that the vinegar helped to cut through the bitterness of the collard greens, resulting in a more balanced flavor. As the greens simmered away on the stove, the aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

After a couple of hours of slow cooking, Mrs. Jenkins deemed the collard greens ready to be served. She carefully removed the ham hock and chopped it into pieces, adding it back to the pot for extra flavor. The greens were dark and tender, the broth rich and savory. Mrs. Jenkins ladled a generous helping onto a plate for me to try.

I took a bite of the collard greens and was immediately transported back to my childhood, sitting at my grandmother's table. The flavors were familiar and comforting, a taste of home in every bite. Mrs. Jenkins smiled at me as I savored the dish, happy to have passed on a piece of her family's heritage to me.

From that day on, I made Southern-style Collard Greens a regular part of my cooking repertoire. I experimented with different seasonings and variations, making the recipe my own while still honoring the tradition Mrs. Jenkins had taught me. Each time I made the dish, I thought of her and the bond we had formed over our shared love of food.

Years passed, and Mrs. Jenkins eventually passed away, leaving behind a legacy of delicious recipes and cherished memories. I continued to make her Southern-style Collard Greens, sharing the recipe with friends and family who always asked for seconds. The dish became a staple at holiday gatherings and Sunday dinners, a reminder of the woman who had taught me so much about cooking and life.

As I grew older, I realized that food was more than just sustenance – it was a way to connect with others, to share stories and create lasting memories. The recipe for Southern-style Collard Greens became a symbol of that connection, a link to my past and a bridge to the future.

And so, as I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make this beloved dish, I feel grateful for the people who have passed on their knowledge and passion for cooking to me. I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will sit in my kitchen, eager to learn the secrets of Southern-style Collard Greens, and that they too will feel the same sense of excitement that I did all those years ago.

Categories

| Allspice Recipes | American Recipes | Collard Greens Recipes | Collard Greens Side Dish Recipes | Honey Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |

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