Spicy Corn Bread with Collard Greens

Spicy Corn Bread with Collard Greens Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spicy Corn Bread with Collard Greens is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the heat of spicy cornbread with the earthy flavors of collard greens. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals and love the combination of savory and spicy flavors.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, where collard greens and cornbread are staple dishes. The addition of spicy elements like crushed red pepper and hot salsa gives this classic recipe a modern twist, adding a new level of flavor and complexity.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) Ground sirloin
16 oz (454 g) jar "hot" salsa
2 tsp crushed red pepper
chilies (optional)
1 tbsp black pepper

Greens

In stock pot with 2 cups of water, place the following

1 large smoked neck bone (must be smoked)
1 piece salt pork
Dash of salt
1 ham hock
2 cups 3 cheese blend (any)
corn bread
(Hot water corn bread, everybody's grandmother had a different recipe.)
Or 4 packs of Gold Medal® corn muffin mix (prepare according to package directions, doubling the recipe.)
Two packs of corn bread will be used for top and two for the bottom. Cook bottom bread completely.

How to prepare

Brown the ground meat, ensuring it is cooked thoroughly. Add pepper, chunky salsa, chilies, and crushed red pepper.
Simmer for 6 minutes to allow the spices to cook together.
Layer the meat, cheeses, and spices over completely cooked bread.
Cover with the top batter.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 40 minutes or until golden.
Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, wash and clean 5 bunches of collard greens. After cleaning, cut the bunches and place them into a stock pot.
Cover and let them slow simmer for 30-40 minutes or until desired tenderness.
Serve with spicy cornbread. The soul food flair can be experienced through the tastes and aromas.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or sausage to the meat mixture for added flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the ground meat thoroughly to ensure it is cooked all the way through.

- Layering the meat, cheeses, and spices over the cooked bread helps to create a delicious and flavorful dish.

- Letting the dish simmer after baking allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more cohesive dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side of hot sauce or pickled peppers for an extra kick. Pair it with a glass of sweet tea or lemonade for a classic Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the ground meat before layering it over the bread helps to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Slow simmering the collard greens allows them to become tender and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken in place of ground sirloin for a lighter option.

- Substitute kale or spinach for collard greens if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, then follow the baking instructions as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dish on a large platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or sliced jalapenos for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a side of creamy coleslaw or macaroni and cheese for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 400 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Spicy Corn Bread with Collard Greens. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Clara in her cozy little cottage on the outskirts of town. Clara was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen.

On this particular day, Clara had a twinkle in her eye as she rummaged through her collection of handwritten recipes. She finally pulled out a tattered piece of paper and handed it to me with a smile. "You have to try this one, dear," she said. "It's a family favorite."

As I scanned the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation. The combination of spicy cornbread and hearty collard greens sounded like a match made in culinary heaven. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish.

Clara patiently guided me through the recipe, sharing tips and tricks she had picked up over the years. She explained how the spicy jalapeños and tangy buttermilk would complement the sweetness of the cornbread, while the tender collard greens would add a nutritious and flavorful twist.

I watched intently as Clara expertly chopped the collard greens and sautéed them with garlic and onions. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

As the cornbread baked in the oven, Clara poured us each a glass of sweet tea and regaled me with stories of her own grandmother, who had taught her the art of cooking. She spoke lovingly of the family gatherings and holiday feasts where her grandmother's recipes were always the star of the show.

When the timer finally beeped, Clara pulled the golden brown cornbread out of the oven and sliced it into generous portions. We plated the cornbread alongside a heaping mound of collard greens, and I took my first bite with eager anticipation.

The flavors exploded in my mouth – the creamy buttermilk, the subtle heat of the jalapeños, the earthy bitterness of the collard greens. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced across my taste buds with each bite.

I couldn't help but exclaim in delight, and Clara beamed with pride. "I knew you would love it," she said. "There's something magical about sharing a meal with loved ones, don't you think?"

From that day on, Spicy Corn Bread with Collard Greens became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always with a fond memory of Clara and the day she shared her recipe with me.

Over the years, I have added my own twists and variations to the dish, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own. But the heart and soul of the recipe remain the same – a testament to the power of good food and good friends.

As I sit here now, writing this story and reflecting on the memories it brings back, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. It is a tradition that has been passed down through generations, and one that I will continue to cherish for years to come.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, trying out a new recipe or revisiting an old favorite, remember the magic that comes from sharing food with those you love. And who knows – you may just create a new family tradition of your own.