Savory Southern Greens Medley
Transform your perception of greens with this Savory Southern Greens Medley! Packed with flavor and a perfect blend of hearty ingredients, this recipe will have even the staunchest vegetable skeptics reconsidering their stance. The unique process of blanching the greens significantly reduces bitterness while enhancing their natural sweetness. Spend a few moments sautéing onions, garlic, and spicy jalapeños to lay a flavorful foundation, then allow the slow cooker to work its magic, blending the richness of ham and bacon with the earthy notes of kale and beet greens. Whether paired with a refreshing pilsner or a slightly sweet off-dry riesling, you'll find this dish to be a delightful addition to any meal, bringing a warm Southern flair to your table. Give it a try - your taste buds will thank you!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
kale
1 bunch (torn into large pieces)
beet leaves or choice of greens (collards, mustard, turnip)
1 bunch (torn into large pieces)
onion
1 large (sliced)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
jalapeno peppers
2 (minced (seeds discarded for less heat))
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
cubed ham
1/4 cup (prepackaged mini cubes)
bacon
3 slices (chopped)
water
2 1/2 cups (more if needed)
salt and pepper
to taste
balsamic vinegar
(for drizzling (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by tearing the greens into large pieces, discarding any thick stems. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the greens. Blanch for about 6 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2
While the greens are blanching, heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes or until the onions are lightly browned and translucent.
3
Stir in the minced jalapeño peppers and continue to cook for an additional minute, letting the flavors meld.
4
Transfer the sautéed onion mixture to the slow cooker. Carefully add the blanched greens, cubed ham, bacon, crushed red pepper flakes, and 2.5 cups of water.
5
Stir everything gently to combine, then cover and set the slow cooker to high heat. Allow the mixture to cook for 4 hours, or until the greens are tender and bursting with flavor.
6
Before serving, taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Optional: Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the greens for a tangy finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Southern Greens Medley?
It is a flavorful Southern-style dish featuring a blend of kale and beet greens slow-cooked with ham, bacon, and aromatics like garlic and onion.
What types of greens can be used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for kale and beet leaves, but you can also use collards, mustard greens, or turnip greens.
Why should I blanch the greens?
Blanching the greens for 6 minutes helps to significantly reduce bitterness while enhancing their natural sweetness.
How do I prepare the greens before cooking?
Tear the greens into large pieces and be sure to discard any thick, woody stems.
What aromatics are used to build the flavor base?
The base is created by sautéing sliced onions, minced garlic, and minced jalapeño peppers in olive oil.
Is there meat in this greens recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of cubed ham and 3 slices of chopped bacon for a rich, savory flavor.
How long do I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the onions and garlic for about 5 minutes or until the onions are lightly browned and translucent.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish has some heat from two minced jalapeños and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How can I make the recipe less spicy?
To reduce the heat, ensure you discard the seeds from the jalapeño peppers before mincing them.
How much water is needed for the slow cooker?
The recipe requires 2.5 cups of water, though you can add more if needed during the cooking process.
What is the recommended cooking time in the slow cooker?
The greens should be cooked on high heat in the slow cooker for 4 hours.
What should I do after blanching the greens?
After boiling for 6 minutes, drain the greens and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What is the optional tangy finish mentioned?
You can drizzle balsamic vinegar over the greens just before serving for a tangy finish.
What drinks pair well with Southern Greens?
This dish pairs well with a refreshing pilsner or a slightly sweet off-dry riesling.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers.
What kind of ham should I buy?
The recipe suggests using prepackaged mini cubes for the 1/4 cup of cubed ham.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Taste the greens after the slow cooking process is complete and adjust the salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Does this recipe work for people who don't like bitter vegetables?
Yes, the blanching process and slow cooking with savory meats help make the greens much more approachable for skeptics.
How much red pepper flakes are included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I use turnip greens instead of kale?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions turnip greens as a suitable choice of greens.
Is the bacon cooked before going into the slow cooker?
The instructions indicate adding the chopped bacon directly into the slow cooker with the other ingredients after the sauté step.
How do I know when the greens are done?
The greens are ready when they are tender and bursting with flavor, typically after 4 hours on high.
Should the onions be finely minced?
No, the recipe recommends that the large onion be sliced rather than minced.
What category of food does this fall into?
This is considered Southern cuisine and comfort food.
Can I make this vegetarian?
While the recipe includes ham and bacon, it is tagged as vegetarian-friendly, implying those meats can be omitted or replaced.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of bacon.
Is the water salted for blanching?
Yes, the instructions specify bringing a pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the blanching step.
What is the first step in the slow cooker?
First, transfer the sautéed onion mixture to the slow cooker before adding the greens, meat, and water.
Does the recipe require a specific type of vinegar?
It suggests balsamic vinegar as an optional drizzle for a tangy finish.