Collard greens

Southern Collard greens are a staple dish in the southern region of the United States. This delicious side dish is made from the leaves of the collard plant, which is a member of the cabbage family. The collard plant was brought over to the United States during the slave trade, and it has since been a staple in Southern cuisine. Southern collard greens are typically cooked with pork or ham hocks, which gives the dish its distinct smoky flavor. In this article, we will share a flavorful and easy-to-make recipe for Southern Collard greens.

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about the history of collard greens. The collard plant was brought over to the United States by African slaves during the 1600s. These slaves would often use the collard plant as a substitute for the more expensive cabbage plant. As a result, collard greens became a staple food in the African American community, particularly in the southern region of the United States. Over time, Southern collard greens evolved to have a distinct flavor and cooking method that is still popular today.

Now, let’s get into the recipe for Southern Collard greens. To make this dish, you will need a few key ingredients: collard greens, ham hocks or bacon, chicken broth, onions, garlic, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 pound ham hocks or ½ pound bacon
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. In a large pot, cook the ham hocks or bacon over medium heat until browned on both sides. Remove the ham hocks or bacon from the pot and let them cool.
2. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes to the pot and stir to combine.
4. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and stir until they are coated in the broth mixture.
5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the collard greens for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until they are tender.
6. Once the ham hocks or bacon are cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and add it back to the pot with the collard greens.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

This recipe is a perfect side dish for any Southern meal. The collard greens are tender and flavorful, with a slightly smoky taste from the ham hocks or bacon. The broth mixture adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish that perfectly complements the collard greens. This recipe is also very versatile - you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

In conclusion, Southern collard greens are a delicious and historic dish that is a staple in Southern cuisine. This easy-to-make recipe is a great way to enjoy this classic dish in your own home. So, grab some collard greens and ham hocks, and get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 pound of smoked bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes.

2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, along with the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.

4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the collard greens are tender and fully cooked.

5. Stir in the hot sauce, if desired, to add an extra kick of flavor.

6. Serve the Southern Collard Greens hot, as a side dish to your favorite Southern meal, such as fried chicken, cornbread, and mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

• Southern