Get ready to transform your kitchen into a Southern culinary haven with these mouthwatering, perfectly seasoned collard greens that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine a side dish so rich, tender, and flavorful that it could turn even the most vegetable-skeptical person into a green-loving enthusiast. Whether you're craving a taste of authentic Southern comfort food or looking to impress your dinner guests with a nutritious and delectable dish, these homemade collard greens are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound collard greens, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the collard greens under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris. Pat the greens dry with paper towels and remove tough stems by folding the leaf in half and cutting out the thick center stem.
- Chop the cleaned collard greens into roughly 1-inch wide strips, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Carefully add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the greens to start wilting.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the greens are mostly submerged. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and have absorbed the broth's flavors.
- Once the collard greens are tender, remove the lid and drizzle apple cider vinegar over the greens. Stir to incorporate and cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow some liquid to reduce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed. The greens should be tender but still have a slight bite and a rich, savory flavor.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving hot as a delicious side dish.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, vibrant green collards with crisp leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Take time to thoroughly wash and remove stems to ensure a tender, clean-tasting result.
- Don't rush the cooking process - low and slow is the key to achieving melt-in-your-mouth collard greens.
- The apple cider vinegar is crucial! It adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the greens.
- For extra flavor, consider adding smoked ham hock or bacon during cooking for a traditional Southern twist.
- Make sure to season generously and taste as you go to build layers of flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
