Southern Style Collard Greens Delight
Collard greens are a cherished staple in Southern cuisine, known for their robust flavor and health benefits. This hearty dish combines tender collards with the savory essence of crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and sweet onion, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and calcium, collard greens not only support overall health but also provide a delicious way to incorporate more greens into your diet. For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the bacon and substitute smoked flavoring along with vegetable broth for a dish that is equally satisfying and nutritious. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table!
4-6 servings
Servings
50
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked bacon
3-4 slices (cut into small pieces)
medium onion
1 (sliced or chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
collard greens
8 cups (tough stems removed, cleaned well)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
chicken stock
1.5 cups (none)
light brown sugar
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large deep pot, cook the sliced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and optional light brown sugar, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3
Wash the collard greens thoroughly, removing the tough stems. Chop the greens into bite-sized pieces, then add them to the pot, layering them over the onion and garlic mixture.
4
Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes, seasoning salt, and pepper over the collards. Pour in the chicken stock, ensuring the greens are mostly submerged.
5
Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low, letting the collard greens simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender and flavorful. Stir occasionally.
6
Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, then stir in the crispy bacon before serving. Enjoy your flavorful collard greens hot!
Nutrition Information
2.8g
Fat
4g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
1.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Style Collard Greens Delight?
It is a hearty Southern dish featuring tender collard greens, crispy bacon, aromatic garlic, and sweet onions.
How many calories are in a serving of these collard greens?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, adding smoked flavoring for a similar taste.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
How long should I simmer the collard greens?
The greens should be simmered for about 30 to 40 minutes until they are tender and flavorful.
What nutrients are found in collard greens?
Collard greens are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and calcium, supporting overall health.
What ingredients are needed for the base of the dish?
The base is made with cooked bacon, a medium onion, and four cloves of garlic.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 2.8 grams of fat per serving.
Is there protein in these collard greens?
Yes, there are 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
What type of stock is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of chicken stock.
Are collard greens part of a specific vegetable family?
Yes, they belong to the cabbage family.
How should I prepare the collard greens before cooking?
Wash them thoroughly, remove the tough stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The recipe uses seasoning salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Is sugar added to this recipe?
Light brown sugar is optional; if used, 1/4 cup is recommended for a touch of sweetness.
How many cups of greens do I need?
You will need 8 cups of cleaned, chopped collard greens.
What do I do with the bacon fat after frying?
Leave the rendered fat in the pot to sauté the onions and garlic for extra flavor.
Are these collard greens spicy?
They have a mild kick from 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
When do I add the bacon back to the dish?
The crispy bacon should be stirred in just before serving after the greens have finished cooking.
How much fiber is in each serving?
There is 1.3 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What is the best way to cook the onions?
Sauté the sliced or chopped onions in the bacon fat for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe suggests a medium onion, typically yellow or white for sweetness, but others can be substituted.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for beginners.
Do I need to cover the pot while simmering?
Yes, cover the pot to ensure the greens cook evenly and stay moist.
How many slices of bacon are used?
The recipe uses 3 to 4 slices of bacon.
What temperature should I use for simmering?
Reduce the heat to medium-low for the simmering process.
Should the greens be submerged in the stock?
Yes, ensure the greens are mostly submerged in the chicken stock before simmering.
Can this be served as a main course?
While usually a side dish, it is hearty enough to be served as a light main course.
What is the final step before serving?
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, then stir in the reserved crispy bacon.