Description
A flavorful and hearty Collard Greens recipe featuring smoky bacon, aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of seasonings simmered until tender in chicken broth, perfect as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb collard greens washed, trimmed, and cut
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon and Onion: In a large Dutch oven or pan over medium heat, brown the chopped bacon. When the bacon is about halfway browned, add the finely chopped onion. Cook until the bacon is fully browned and the onion is soft.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release its aroma without burning.
- Wilt Collard Greens: Add the collard greens to the pot and cook until wilted and slightly softened, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth along with apple cider vinegar, sugar, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer the greens for 60 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the greens to become tender.
- Drain and Season: Remove most of the liquid using a slotted spoon or by draining. Season the collard greens with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the collard greens promptly as a savory and comforting side dish.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave at reduced power or on the stovetop over low heat to maintain texture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the level of crushed red pepper according to your preferred heat tolerance.
- Ensure collard greens are thoroughly washed and trimmed to avoid bitterness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
