braised collard greens recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
braised collard greens recipe
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The Best braised collard greens recipe

I’m so glad you’re here for this braised collard greens recipe. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. My kids love it when I serve it with a big ol’ pork chop or some good ol’ fashioned fried chicken.

But what I love most about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make and is packed with nutrients. Collard greens are one of the healthiest leafy greens you can eat, and when you braise them in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and vinegar, they become tender and delicious. I like to serve them on the side of a big plate of Southern-style comfort food.

It’s the perfect way to round out a meal and make everyone feel full and happy. And the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

My kids love helping me chop up the greens and sautéing them in a big skillet. It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking and teach them about where their food comes from. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover ham or bacon we might have on hand.

And let me tell you, there’s nothing like the smell of these greens cooking on the stovetop – it’s like a big ol’ hug in a pot! So go ahead, give this recipe a try and see what you think! You won’t be disappointed.

Braised Collard Greens

Braised Collard Greens

4.8 from 1446 votes

Tender collard greens slowly braised with smoked turkey and aromatic vegetables in a savory broth. This Southern-style side dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for holiday meals or Sunday dinners.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Greens

2 pounds collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
4 slices thick-cut bacon or 1 smoked turkey leg
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
6 cups chicken broth or water
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Wash the collard greens thoroughly in cold water to remove any grit.
2Remove the tough stems by folding each leaf in half and slicing along the stem, then stack the leaves and cut them into 1-inch wide ribbons.
3In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon or smoked turkey leg until browned and rendered, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4If using bacon, remove the cooked slices and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
5Add the diced onion to the pot and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
6Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7Add the chopped collard greens to the pot in handfuls, stirring to wilt them before adding more.
8Once all greens are added, pour in the chicken broth or water, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
9Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the greens simmer gently.
10Braise for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and the broth is flavorful.
11Taste the greens and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if desired.
12If you used bacon, crumble the reserved slices and sprinkle over the greens before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven with lid
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 14g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and turkey, use vegetable broth, and add a splash of liquid smoke. Braised collard greens taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Watch Video Of How Braised Collard Greens Works

This braised collard greens recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner. The best part?

It’s so easy to make and reheats beautifully for leftovers. Simply reheat the cooked greens with some additional broth or water until steaming hot, then serve alongside your favorite sides – like cornbread or mashed potatoes.

This recipe is also perfect for meal prep – simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Braised Collard Greens

Q: What is braising?

Braising is a cooking method where you cook tougher cuts of meat or vegetables in liquid over low heat for an extended period of time. This helps break down the connective tissue in the meat or greens, making them tender and flavorful.

Q: Can I use other types of greens instead of collard greens?

While collard greens are the star of this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other leafy greens like kale or mustard greens. Just keep in mind that they may have a slightly different flavor profile and texture.

Q: How do I store leftover braised collard greens?

You can store leftover braised collard greens in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure they’re steaming hot before serving.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.

Q: Do I need to add any additional seasonings besides salt and pepper?

While salt and pepper are all you need for this recipe, feel free to add any additional seasonings you like – such as hot sauce or red pepper flakes – to give it an extra kick.

Q: Can I serve this recipe as a main course?

Absolutely! This recipe makes enough for 6-8 servings, so feel free to serve it as a main course alongside your favorite sides.

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