Fresh Southern Style Collard Greens Recipes

FRESH SOUTHERN-STYLE COLLARD GREENS RECIPE

Steps:

• Wash collard greens in about 3 to 4 changes of water, until no sandy sediment can be felt at the bottom of the sink or bowl.
• Lay each leaf out and cut out the thick center stalk and any very thick veins. Layer several leaves and roll them; Cut the rolled leaves into 1/2-inch strips (chiffonade style). You may also chop the leaves.
• In a large skillet over medium heat cook the diced bacon or jowl to render some of the fat. Discard the drippings or save and refrigerate for another use.
• In a large stockpot or Dutch oven bring the 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the cooked bacon or hog jowl, the chopped onions, salt, red and black peppers, and seasoned salt or Cajun seasoning, if using. Add the greens to boiling water. You might have to add the collard greens in batches.
• Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 1 hour, or until greens are tender.
• Serve the collard greens with freshly baked cornbread and pass the hot pepper vinegar or pepper sauce at the table. Serves 4 to 6. Tips and Variations

SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Prepare the collard greens bath by filling your kitchen sink with cool water and adding vinegar and salt.
• Remove the collard greens from the steams by folding them in half lengthwise and pulling the leaf away from the stem. (discard the stem or see note below on how to cook them)
• Place the collard greens into the prepared water bath and swish them around several times, scrubbing them to help loosen up any dirt.
• Let the collard greens soak for 15-20 minutes, giving them a scrub midway. Drain the water and refill with plain water and allow the greens to soak again if needed. Repeat as many times as needed until the water is free from any dirt or grit. After the final soak, drain the water. Next, rinse and scrub each leaf front and back with cool water to ensure they are squeaky clean.
• Tear the greens into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
• In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onions and saute until tender.
• Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until garlic is fragrant.
• Pour in the broth and add the turkey leg. Bring to a boil.
• Add collard greens and reduce heat to a simmer.
• Cover and cook collard for 1 hour (or longer depending on your desired tenderness), stirring regularly.
• Once done, stir and then taste the broth and the greens. (add a little water if the broth is too bold for your liking)
• Stir in vinegar and smoked salt, and black pepper if desired.
• Serve collard greens with pieces of the smoked turkey leg and hot sauce if desired.

SOUTHERN STYLE COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Combine onions, ham hocks, and garlic in a stockpot; add chicken broth. Cook mixture over medium heat until meat is falling off the bone, about 2 hours.
• Stir collard greens, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper into the broth mixture; cook until greens have reached desired tenderness, about 2 more hours.

SWEET AND TANGY SAUTEED COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in collard greens, in batches if necessary, until they wilt slightly and all fit in the skillet. Pour in water and cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender, 5 to 7 minutes, regulating heat to prevent burning. Drain.
• Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, honey, ginger and butter together in a serving bowl for dressing. Add greens to bowl and toss with dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper; serve warm.

SOUTHERN-STYLE COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Thaw collard greens if using frozen or rinse if using fresh.
• Combine all ingredients in a medium sized sauce pan. Cook over low heat for about 45 minutes.
• Discard ham hock.
• Serve with salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce to taste.

GRANDMA'S SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat 1 tablespoon lard over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender. Add ham hocks, water, seasoned salt, pepper flakes, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until meat is tender, 55-60 minutes., Add collard greens, wine, and remaining 1 Tbsp. lard. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until greens are very tender, 55-60 minutes. Remove meat from bones; finely chop and return to pan. Discard bones. Serve with a slotted spoon.