Cooking Collards
Transform humble collard greens into a rich, southern-style side dish with this "Cooking Collards" recipe, brimming with bold flavors and wholesome comfort. Tender ribbons of collard greens are slow-simmered in a savory broth infused with smoky bacon, aromatic garlic, and tangy apple cider vinegar, creating a perfect balance of earthy goodness and vibrant zest. A touch of sugar and a pinch of red pepper flakes add a subtle sweetness and gentle heat, while the crispy bacon crumbles bring irresistible texture and depth. Ready in just over an hour, this dish is ideal for pairing with classic soul food staples like fried chicken or cornbread. Whether you're craving a taste of the South or a nutrient-packed side for dinner, these collard greens are a mouthwatering must-try! Perfect for home cooks searching for "southern collard greens recipe" or "easy collard greens with bacon."
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 bunches collard greens
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Thoroughly wash the collard greens to remove any dirt. Remove the tough stems and ribs by folding the leaves in half and slicing them out. Stack the leaves, roll them up, and slice into 1-inch ribbons.
In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the collard greens to the pot, stirring occasionally to ensure they are well coated in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid and let the greens simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the collard greens are tender and infused with flavor, crumble the reserved bacon and add it back to the pot. Stir well to incorporate.
Taste the greens and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite comfort meal, such as fried chicken or cornbread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
678 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.9 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.4 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 32 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 5237 mg | 228% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.5 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.0 g | 118% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.3 g | ||
| Protein | 46.5 g | 93% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1199 mg | 92% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 2103 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
