Description
Savor the rich, soulful flavors of the South with our incredible Southern Collard Greens recipe! Tender, smoky, and bursting with a tangy kick, these greens are destined to become your new favorite side dish.
Ingredients
170g / 6 slices smoked bacon, diced
900g / 2 large bunches fresh collard greens, washed, stemmed, and chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
960ml / 4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced smoked bacon and cook for 8–10 minutes, until crisp and fully rendered.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot and discard any excess.
- Add the chopped onion to the reserved fat and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add the washed and chopped collard greens to the pot. Cook, stirring gently, for 5–7 minutes, until they begin to soften and wilt.
- Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover tightly and simmer for about 1 hour, until the greens are very tender and the liquid reduces into a rich pot liquor.
- If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of broth.
- If too much liquid remains, uncover for the last 15–20 minutes to reduce.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the collard greens, leaving most of the liquid behind.
- Serve hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon and hot sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
For best results, wash collard greens thoroughly multiple times to remove any grit. Ensure stems are removed before chopping.
Adjust seasonings, especially salt, sugar, and vinegar, to taste as collard greens can vary in bitterness and broth in saltiness.
Don’t rush the simmering process; a long, slow cook is key to tender greens and deep flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sodium: 450mg
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Keywords: collard greens, southern recipe, soul food, side dish, greens, bacon, easy recipe
