Braised Collard Greens

I love braised collard greens.  There are a lot of other green vegetables at the top of my list but I’m crazy about a bowl of hot, steaming greens and collards are my favorite.  Any time that I see them on a menu as a side my eye immediately goes straight to this delectable vegetable that usually has some kind of salty bacon flavor and just a tad of sweetness to cut the bitterness of the greens.

The main difference between a collard and other greens like spinach, kale or chard is that a collard is much more tough and holds it’s shape and texture after it’s been cooked. The downside is that they require a longer time on the stove but if you use this cooking method it will cut the time down to a few minutes in the microwave and then a 30 minute process to get the greens just right.

This recipe hits on the flavors that I think make the perfect collard greens. Bacon, onion, a little kick from the red pepper flakes and finally a touch of sugar from the maple syrup. Like any fresh vegetable, I like to taste at the end and I might adjust my final seasonings depending on the greens. They may need just a tad more syrup or an extra dash of pepper flakes…don’t be afraid to adjust to your own preference!

Braised Collard Greens

2015-03-09 16:18:17

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Ingredients

1. 1 1/4 lbs. collard greens, spines removed and sliced into 1/2 inch strips (roll them like a cigar before slicing)
2. 1 TBSP. water
3. 2 slices bacon
4. 1 TBSP. olive oil
5. 1 small onion chopped
6. 1 TBSP cider vinegar
7. 1 TBSP. maple syrup
8. 1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
9. 3/4 cups chicken broth
10. salt

Instructions

1. After the greens are washed and sliced (with stems removed) put them in a large microwave safe dish, add the water and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Cook on high for 5 minutes.
2. Preheat a large, heavy dutch oven or skillet and cook the bacon for 2 minutes on each side, remove and reserve. Don't overcook the bacon, you want it just done.
3. Add the oil and onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the greens and stir in the vinegar, syrup, pepper flakes and broth. Bring to a simmer, dice the bacon and add to the pot. Cover and cook on a medium low simmer for 30 minutes. Check the liquid every 10 minutes or so and add more broth if necessary. Salt & pepper to taste.

By Chris Bonney - My Mother's Daughter

My Mother's Daughter https://mymothersdaughter.net/

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