Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *collard greens recipe southern*! This dish is a true staple in Southern cooking and holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, I remember my grandmother spending hours simmering collard greens on the stove, filling the kitchen with that comforting, earthy aroma that just says “home.” The way the greens soak up all that savory goodness from the smoked ham hock and chicken broth is nothing short of magic! And you know what? It’s not just about the taste. Collard greens are packed with nutrients and have a rich history in Southern cuisine, often symbolizing prosperity and family. It’s a dish that warms your soul and brings everyone together around the dinner table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your meals!
Ingredients for Collard Greens Recipe Southern
- 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Collard Greens Recipe Southern
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, heat that olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and warm to get those flavors going. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes, or until it’s translucent and fragrant. This is when the magic begins!
Now, add in the minced garlic and stir it around for just about a minute—be careful not to let it burn; we want that sweet garlicky goodness, not a bitter bite! Next, it’s time to introduce our star ingredient: the collard greens. Add them to the pot along with the smoked ham hock. You’ll see them shrink down almost immediately, which is just perfect!
Pour in the chicken broth, and bring everything to a lovely boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, allowing all those flavors to meld together beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the greens are tender and delicious. Just before serving, give it a good taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Oh wow, the aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!
Why You’ll Love This Collard Greens Recipe Southern
- It’s a classic Southern dish that’s rich in flavor and history.
- Easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Slow cooking allows the collard greens to soak up all the deliciousness from the smoked ham hock and broth.
- They’re packed with nutrients, making this a healthy side dish option.
- This recipe is versatile; it pairs beautifully with cornbread, grilled meats, or even on its own!
- It brings everyone together, offering that warm, comforting feeling that only home-cooked meals can.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so you can enjoy this dish multiple times!
Tips for Success with Collard Greens Recipe Southern
Now, let’s make sure your collard greens turn out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t rush the sautéing process. Taking that extra time to cook the onions until they’re translucent really builds a flavorful base. Also, when you add the garlic, keep a close eye on it! A minute is all it needs; any longer and you might end up with a burnt taste that’ll ruin the dish.
If you’re looking for a smoky flavor but don’t have a ham hock, try using smoked paprika instead for a vegetarian twist—trust me, it works wonders! And remember, taste as you go; seasoning with salt and pepper at the end is crucial because every batch of greens can be a little different. Finally, let those greens simmer long enough to become tender; this is where all that delicious flavor comes together. Happy cooking!
Variations of Collard Greens Recipe Southern
Oh, the beauty of collard greens is that they’re like a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not mix in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick? I love adding a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving to brighten up the flavors—trust me, it makes a world of difference!
If you want to switch things up a bit, try adding diced tomatoes or cooked bacon for a different texture and taste. And for my vegetarian friends, you can easily swap out the ham hock for some smoked tempeh or just stick with that fabulous smoked paprika I mentioned earlier. It infuses the greens with a lovely smokiness without any meat!
Lastly, don’t forget about experimenting with herbs! A sprinkle of thyme or a bay leaf during the simmering process can elevate your dish to a whole new level. Have fun with it, and make this recipe your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Collard Greens Recipe Southern
Alright, let’s talk about storing those delicious collard greens! If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for those busy weeknight meals!
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options. You can pop them in the microwave for a quick fix, just be sure to cover the container to keep the moisture in. Heat them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. If you prefer the stovetop, just place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This way, they’ll maintain that lovely flavor and texture. Trust me, these greens taste even better the next day, so savor every bite! Enjoy!
Nutritional Information for Collard Greens Recipe Southern
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into these collard greens! Each serving (about 1 cup) contains roughly 150 calories, 5g of fat, and 7g of protein. You’ll also get 20g of carbohydrates and a fantastic 8g of fiber, which is great for digestion. Plus, with only 1g of sugar and 500mg of sodium, they’re a healthy choice! Just keep in mind these values are estimates, and they can vary a bit based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But one thing’s for sure—these greens are as nutritious as they are delicious!
FAQ About Collard Greens Recipe Southern
Can I use frozen collard greens instead of fresh? Absolutely! Frozen collard greens can be a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking, as they can release extra moisture.
What’s the best way to wash collard greens? I like to fill a large bowl with water and submerge the chopped greens, swishing them around gently. This helps remove any dirt or grit. Rinse them under cold water after, and you’re good to go!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes! Simply swap the smoked ham hock for smoked paprika or a vegetarian broth for that deep flavor without the meat. It’ll still be delicious!
How do I know when my collard greens are done? They’re ready when they’re tender and have absorbed all that lovely flavor from the broth and seasonings. A taste test is always the best way to know!
Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Drucken
Collard Greens Recipe Southern: 7 Heartwarming Tips Inside
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A classic southern dish featuring collard greens cooked to perfection.
Zutaten
- 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add collard greens and ham hock to the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ham hock with smoked paprika.
- Serve with cornbread for a traditional meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 1 hour
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: Southern
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 500mg
- Fett: 5g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterin: 10mg
Keywords: collard greens, southern recipe, vegetable dish
