Southern-Style Collard Greens

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Southern-Style Collard Greens are a beloved soul food staple, rich in flavor and traditionally served in Southern New Year’s celebrations. The slow-simmered greens, infused with bacon, broth, and a hint of spice, offer a cozy, comforting dish that’s well worth the effort.

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs collard greens, cleaned and cut
  • 1 lb bacon ends, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp seasoning salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 large jalapeño pepper, sliced
  • 2-3 tbsp white distilled vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Onion

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s browned and crispy.
  2. Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon, and cook until the onions start to sweat (become translucent).
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Broth and Start Cooking

  1. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and increase the heat to high.
  2. Bring the broth to a boil, letting it cook for about 20 minutes. This helps to infuse the bacon flavor throughout the broth.

Step 3: Add Water and Collard Greens

  1. Add 2 cups of water to the pot, then lower the heat to medium.
  2. Begin adding the collard greens in batches, allowing them to wilt slightly before adding more until all greens are in the pot.

Step 4: Season the Greens

  1. Once all collard greens are in the pot, sprinkle in seasoning salt and ground black pepper.
  2. Add the sliced jalapeño and 2-3 tablespoons of white vinegar (this adds brightness and helps cut any bitterness from the greens).
  3. Stir all the ingredients well.

Step 5: Simmer the Greens

  1. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 hour and 10 minutes on medium heat.
  2. Stir periodically to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once tender, remove from heat and serve hot as a side dish or a hearty addition to your meal.

Tips for Success

  • Remove the Stalks: Collard green stalks can be tough and bitter; removing them before cooking will give you a more tender, flavorful dish.
  • Add a Little Vinegar: The vinegar enhances flavor and helps neutralize any bitterness in the greens.
  • Adjust Spice: For a milder version, reduce or omit the jalapeño; for more heat, add additional slices or sprinkle a bit of hot sauce.

Enjoy your Southern-Style Collard Greens with cornbread, black-eyed peas, or pork for a comforting, traditional Southern meal!

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