Description
A flavorful and hearty Collard Greens recipe cooked with bacon, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. Simmered in chicken broth until tender, these greens are the perfect savory side dish to complement your meal.
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 the 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. Continue cooking until the bacon is fully browned and the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Wilt the collard greens: Add the prepared collard greens to the pan and cook until they wilt and are slightly softened, stirring occasionally to combine with the bacon and onions.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth, then add apple cider vinegar, sugar, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Simmer the greens: Cover the pan and let the collard greens simmer gently for 60 minutes, allowing the greens to soften fully and the liquid to reduce.
- Finish and season: After cooking, drain most of the remaining liquid using a slotted spoon or carefully pour it off, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the collard greens promptly for best flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave at reduced power or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent overcooking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the cayenne or crushed red pepper for desired spice level.
- Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
