Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. These leafy greens are packed with nutrients and flavor, making them a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. And when you add bacon to the mix?
Well, let’s just say it takes things to a whole new level.
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook fresh collard greens with bacon, so you can enjoy this classic dish in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook Fresh Collard Greens With Bacon?
Step 1: Prep the Collard Greens
Before you start cooking, it’s important to properly prep your collard greens. Start by washing them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Fill a clean sink with water and immerse the leaves, shaking them to remove any dirt. Dry them thoroughly by patting with a towel until no moisture remains.
Next, cut and remove the rib from the base of each collard green by making a V-shaped incision. Then either cut each one with a sharp knife or tear by hand into 1-inch by 2-inch long pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Add oil and bacon pieces to a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and cooked through. Remove bacon from the skillet and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon grease in the skillet. (You should end up with about 2 tablespoons of oil.)
Step 3: Saute the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the oil and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Collard Greens
Add the cut greens to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and add the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 35-40 minutes over medium-low heat. Stir the greens every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Mix in Bacon and Vinegar
Once greens are tender, turn off the heat and mix in the cooked bacon and vinegar. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Gathering Your Ingredients
To make a delicious batch of fresh collard greens with bacon, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
– 2 bunches of collard greens (about 2-3 pounds)
– 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped into small pieces
– 1 large sweet onion, diced
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 6 cups of chicken or vegetable stock
– 2 teaspoons of salt
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
Make sure to choose fresh collard greens that are vibrant in color and free from any wilting or yellowing. Thick-cut bacon will provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe. You can use either chicken or vegetable stock depending on your preference, and adjust the seasoning to taste. With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to start cooking up a delicious batch of collard greens with bacon!
Preparing Your Collard Greens
To properly prepare your collard greens for cooking, start by washing them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. You can do this by filling a clean sink with water and immersing the leaves, shaking them to remove any dirt. Dry them thoroughly by patting with a towel until no moisture remains.
Next, cut and remove the rib from the base of each collard green by making a V-shaped incision. Then either cut each one with a sharp knife or tear by hand into 1-inch by 2-inch long pieces.
By removing the tough stem and cutting the greens into smaller pieces, you’ll ensure that they cook evenly and become tender and flavorful. Following these simple steps will help you prepare your collard greens for cooking in any recipe, including the delicious collard greens with bacon recipe above.
Preparing Your Bacon
When it comes to cooking bacon for your collard greens, there are a few different methods you can use. One popular method is to bake the bacon in the oven, which is great if you need to cook a large amount of bacon at once. To do this, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the bacon side-by-side on the tray and cook for 10 to 20 minutes, or until it’s reached your desired level of crispiness. Remove the tray from the oven and transfer the bacon with tongs to a paper towel-lined plate.
Another method is to cook the bacon on the stove top. To do this, add oil and bacon pieces to a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and cooked through. Remove bacon from the skillet and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon grease in the skillet.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to make sure your bacon is cooked thoroughly before adding it to your collard greens. Once your bacon is cooked, you can mix it in with your greens for added flavor and texture.
Cooking Your Collard Greens And Bacon Together
When it comes to cooking collard greens with bacon, there are a few key steps to follow. First, you’ll want to cook the bacon separately from the collard greens to ensure that it gets crispy and adds plenty of flavor to the dish.
To do this, simply add oil and chopped bacon to a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon grease in the skillet – this will add plenty of flavor to the collard greens later on.
Next, saute diced onion in the bacon grease for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Now it’s time to add the collard greens. Make sure they are properly prepped by washing and cutting them into small pieces. Add them to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture, along with chicken broth and seasonings like salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 35-40 minutes over medium-low heat. Stir the greens every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. Once the greens are tender, turn off the heat and mix in the cooked bacon and vinegar. This will add a tangy kick to the dish that complements the savory flavors of the bacon and collard greens.
Serve your collard greens with bacon immediately and enjoy! This classic Southern dish is perfect as a side dish or as a main course served over rice or with cornbread.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Dish
Now that your collard greens with bacon are ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious dish! Here are some tips to make the most of your meal:
1. Pair with Your Favorite Main Dish: Collard greens with bacon is a classic Southern side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Try serving it with fried chicken, pork chops, or grilled steak.
2. Garnish with Extra Bacon: For an extra burst of flavor, reserve some of the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the top of your collard greens before serving.
3. Add a Dash of Hot Sauce: If you like a little heat, add a few drops of hot sauce to your collard greens before serving. This will give your dish an extra kick and enhance the flavors of the bacon and collard greens.
4. Serve with Cornbread: Cornbread is another classic Southern side dish that pairs well with collard greens and bacon. Serve warm cornbread alongside your collard greens for a truly authentic Southern meal.
5. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
With these tips, you can serve and enjoy your delicious collard greens with bacon like a true Southerner!