Southern Collard Greens Recipe
Southern collard greens recipe is warm, rich and full of comfort. These greens feel like home and family. They are soft, smoky and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh collard greens
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon grease
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 smoked turkey leg or 4 slices bacon
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Clean and trim the collard greens
- Remove thick stems from the collard greens carefully. Rinse leaves many times in cold water to remove grit and sand fully.
Cut the greens into bite-size strips
- Stack the leaves together, roll them tightly, then slice into ribbons. Smaller pieces cook evenly and become very tender.
Cook onion and garlic for flavor base
- Heat oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook slowly until soft, sweet, and fragrant.
Add smoked meat for deep savory taste
- Place smoked turkey leg or bacon into the pot. Let it sear slightly. This step builds strong smoky Southern flavor.
Pour in broth and bring to a simmer
- Add chicken broth to the pot and gently stir. Bring mixture to a soft simmer to start flavor blending slowly.
Add collard greens in batches and wilt
- Place handfuls of greens into the pot. As they wilt down, add more. Stir gently to coat with seasoned broth.
Season the pot and cook until tender
- Add salt, pepper, sugar and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer greens about one hour until silky tender.
Finish with vinegar and adjust seasoning
- Remove smoked meat bones if used. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and heat to your liking.
Notes
- Wash greens very well to avoid grit
- Smoked turkey adds rich flavor without extra fat
- Cook low and slow for tender greens
- Add vinegar at the end to brighten flavor
- Use broth instead of water for deeper taste