There are few things that sum up Southern cooking like a warm, steamy bowl of soul-satisfying greens. Whether it's kale, beet, collard or mustard greens, these leafy vegetables form the backbone of many Southern meals, bringing a distinctive flavor and a wealth of nutrients to the table. Cooking perfect Southern greens is an art form, one that requires balancing bitterness and sweetness, texture and tenderness. With the right combination of ingredients and techniques, you can create a dish that will leave your taste buds singing and your belly full.
Let's cook with our recipes!
PERFECT SOUTHERN GREENS (KALE, BEET, COLLARD GREENS, MUSTARD)
This recipe yields the best tasting greens I have ever eaten! I have yet to have a batch of bitter greens when cooked this way. This recipe has the potential to change the minds of green-haters and may even bring about a cute southern accent. Blanching the greens before adding to the slow cooker helps remove the natural bitterness. I usually make it with kale and beet greens but other greens work as well. The greens pair well with pilsner or an off-dry riesling, especially if you use the balsamic vinegar.
Provided by NcMysteryShopper
Categories Collard Greens
Time 4h10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Tear greens into large pieces and discard the thick vein. Add greens to a pot of boiling salted water (I use kosher salt). Let boil for about 6 minutes. Drain and Rinse.
- While the greens are boiling, preheat a heavy skillet with olive oil, add onion and garlic; sauté until onions are lightly brown, add minced jalapeno peppers and cook for an additional minute or two.
- Put the sautéed onions in the slow-cooker then add the drained greens, ham, bacon, crushed red pepper and water.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or until greens are tender.
- Serve with balsamic vinegar, optional.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 114.9, Fat 7, SaturatedFat 1.6, Cholesterol 8.6, Sodium 210.8, Carbohydrate 9.6, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 1.9, Protein 4.9
SOUTHERN COOKED GREENS
Steps:
- In a large pot, saute the bacon until slightly crisp. Add the onions and season with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook 6 to 7 minutes, until the onions are wilted and golden. Add the brown sugar and stir to dissolve. Add the shallots and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the water and vinegar and mix well. Begin adding the greens, a third at a time, pressing them down as they begin to wilt. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, until the greens are soft, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Serve hot.
SOUTHERN MUSTARD GREENS
Steps:
- Place the bacon in a large, wide pot and cook over medium heat until some of the fat has rendered and the bacon is light golden, about 5 minutes. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes more. Add the mustard greens in batches, letting each batch wilt before adding the next. Add the chicken broth, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, until the greens are very tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve with hot sauce on the side.
PERFECT MIXED GREENS
A delicious mixture of greens. The washing process is the most important part for these tender, tasty greens. Don't forget the sugar! If you follow directions exactly, you'll have the most perfect greens ever!
Provided by Mama Luvs Papa
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Greens
Time 1h15m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Pull the leaf portions of the collard, mustard, and turnip greens away from the tough stems, and discard the stems. Gently wash the greens in warm water to remove all soil and sand. Partially fill a clean sink with warm water, and stir in 3 tablespoons of salt and 2 cups of chicken broth; allow greens to soak in the mixture for 10 minutes. Scoop up the greens and allow to drain in a colander; discard used chicken broth. Do not rinse the greens.
- Pour the remaining 2 cups of chicken broth into a large pot, and mix in the greens. Stir in vegetable oil, garlic, bacon bits, and sugar, and season with salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the greens are tender, stirring occasionally, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 174.3 calories, Carbohydrate 16.6 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fat 10.7 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 2250.4 mg, Sugar 8.9 g
SOUTHERN STYLE COLLARD GREENS
Southern-style greens like my mama use to make.
Provided by tybright31
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Greens
Time 4h15m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine onions, ham hocks, and garlic in a stockpot; add chicken broth. Cook mixture over medium heat until meat is falling off the bone, about 2 hours.
- Stir collard greens, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper into the broth mixture; cook until greens have reached desired tenderness, about 2 more hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 188.5 calories, Carbohydrate 14.2 g, Cholesterol 33.9 mg, Fat 9.7 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 11.8 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 1686.5 mg, Sugar 5.4 g
Tips:
- Choose fresh, tender greens: Look for greens with vibrant, dark leaves and minimal signs of wilting or yellowing.
- Wash greens thoroughly: Rinse greens multiple times in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Remove tough stems: Before cooking, remove the tough stems from collard greens and kale. For beet greens and mustard greens, you can leave the stems intact.
- Use a large pot: Greens tend to wilt and release a lot of liquid during cooking, so it's important to use a large pot to accommodate them.
- Season generously: Southern greens are typically seasoned with a combination of salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and bacon or ham hocks. You can also add other spices, such as red pepper flakes or smoked paprika, to taste.
- Cook greens until tender: The cooking time for greens will vary depending on the type of greens and the desired tenderness. Collard greens and kale typically take longer to cook than beet greens and mustard greens.
- Serve greens with traditional sides: Southern greens are often served with cornbread, black-eyed peas, and fried chicken.
Conclusion:
Southern greens are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed all year round. With their vibrant colors, hearty texture, and bold flavors, they are a staple of Southern cuisine. Whether you prefer collard greens, kale, beet greens, or mustard greens, there is a recipe out there to suit your taste. So next time you're looking for a comforting and flavorful meal, give Southern greens a try. You won't be disappointed!
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