If you love collard greens, you're in for a treat. These leafy greens are a Southern classic and can be cooked in so many delicious ways. From the smoky richness of ham hocks to a zesty kick with bacon, there's a recipe for everyone. Plus, even if you're vegan, there's a tasty option waiting for you. Curious about how these dishes come together? Let's jump into the five best recipes that'll make your taste buds dance!
Classic Southern Collard Greens With Ham Hocks
Classic Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks is a quintessential dish that embodies the rich flavors and traditions of Southern cooking. This hearty and savory dish features tender collard greens simmered with smoky ham hocks, creating a comforting side that pairs perfectly with cornbread, fried chicken, or any Southern feast.
The long cooking time allows the greens to absorb the flavors of the ham and spices, resulting in a deeply satisfying meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds collard greens, washed and chopped
- 1 or 2 smoked ham hocks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped collard greens, followed by the ham hocks, and then pour in the chicken broth.
Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the greens are tender and the flavors meld together.
Once cooked, remove the ham hocks, shred any meat off the bone, and return the meat to the pot.
Season with salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, consider using a mix of chicken broth and water, or even adding a splash of smoked paprika for an extra smoky taste.
If you prefer your collard greens with a bit more kick, feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Collard greens can be made ahead of time and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Spicy Collard Greens With Bacon
Spicy Collard Greens with Bacon is a classic Southern dish that combines the deep, earthy flavors of collard greens with the savory richness of bacon and a kick of heat. This dish is perfect as a side for your favorite barbecue or as a hearty vegetarian main when paired with cornbread.
The smoky bacon not only improves the greens but also adds a depth of flavor that can be customized with your choice of spices for a personalized touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound collard greens, washed and chopped
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy.
Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the collard greens to the pot, followed by the broth, and bring everything to a simmer.
Cover and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the greens are tender.
Stir in the apple cider vinegar and the cooked bacon, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Extra Tips:
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a smoked ham hock or turkey leg while the greens cook for that classic Southern taste.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead, adding smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile.
Adjust the level of spice by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes, or add some hot sauce for an extra kick.
Collard greens are very forgiving, so feel free to experiment with other ingredients like diced tomatoes or different types of vinegar for a unique twist!
Vegan Collard Greens With Smoked Paprika
Vegan Collard Greens With Smoked Paprika is a flavorful and hearty dish that brings the essence of Southern cooking to your table while keeping it plant-based. The smoked paprika adds a distinct depth of flavor, mimicking the traditional taste that often comes from using ham hocks or bacon. This nutritious dish is easy to prepare and can be served as a side or a main course, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 large bunch of fresh collard greens
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by washing the collard greens thoroughly to remove any grit, then remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the chopped collard greens, cover the pot, and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the greens are tender.
Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Extra Tips:
When selecting collard greens, choose vibrant, dark green leaves with no blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of smoked paprika or even omit the red pepper flakes.
Additionally, feel free to experiment by adding other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
This dish can also be made ahead of time and reheated, as the flavors deepen with time, making it a great option for meal prep or potlucks.
Southern-Style Collard Greens With Onion and Garlic
Southern-Style Collard Greens With Onion and Garlic is a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, known for its rich flavors and hearty texture. This dish showcases the deep, earthy notes of collard greens, augmented by the aromatic combination of onion and garlic.
Perfect as a side dish for any Southern meal, these greens aren't only nutritious but also a comforting way to bring warmth to your table. Follow this simple recipe to enjoy a taste of the South right in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound collard greens, washed and chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon grease
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or bacon grease over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine.
Pour in the broth, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the greens are tender.
For an extra tangy flavor, stir in the apple cider vinegar just before serving.
Extra Tips:
When selecting collard greens, look for vibrant, crisp leaves without any yellowing or wilting.
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a ham hock or smoked turkey leg to the pot while the greens are cooking. This will impart a smoky richness that complements the dish beautifully.
Additionally, if you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to taste. Serve the collard greens warm, and don't forget to drizzle a bit of the cooking liquid over them for added flavor!
Collard Greens Stew With Black-Eyed Peas
Collard greens stew with black-eyed peas is a hearty and nutritious dish that embodies the flavors of Southern cooking. This recipe combines the tender, earthy taste of collard greens with the creamy texture of black-eyed peas, creating a dish that's both satisfying and healthy.
Perfect for a cozy family meal, this stew isn't only easy to prepare but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables and legumes into your diet. Serve it with cornbread for a complete Southern experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Optional: red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the collard greens and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to wilt.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add the black-eyed peas, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover the pot. Let the stew cook for about 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the collard greens to become tender.
Before serving, stir in the apple cider vinegar for an added tang.
Extra Tips:
For improved flavor, consider adding a smoked ham hock or turkey leg to the stew while it simmers; just be sure to remove it before serving and shred any meat back into the dish.
If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the black-eyed peas against the side of the pot to create a creamier texture.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, and don't hesitate to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for additional nutrition and flavor.
Enjoy your collard greens stew with black-eyed peas as a comforting main dish or a side to your favorite Southern entrees!