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Optional Audition
Diced tomatoes for acidity and richness
A splash of hot sauce
Bacon, chopped and sautéed before adding greens
Smoked paprika for a smoky flavor when cooking vegetarian
Chopped potatoes to make the dish heartier
A dash of Worcestershire sauce
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Tips for Success
Wash collards thoroughly—they can hold a lot of sand.
Remove thick stems to ensure tenderness.
Simmer low and slow (45–90 minutes) so the greens become soft and flavorful.
Use broth, not water, to build depth of flavor.
Add vinegar at the end—it brightens and balances the dish.
Taste and adjust: collards vary in bitterness, so season gradually.
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Instructions
1. Prepare the collards.
Remove stems, wash thoroughly, and cut into wide ribbons.
2. Sauté aromatics.
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add diced onion and cook 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Add smoked meat.
Place the smoked turkey leg or ham hock into the pot to season the broth.
4. Add greens.
Add collard greens in batches, stirring until they wilt.
5. Pour in broth.
Add chicken or vegetable broth until greens are mostly covered.
6. Season.
Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
7. Simmer.
Cover partially and cook on low heat for 45–90 minutes, until the greens are very tender.
8. Finish the flavor.
Remove smoked meat, shred it, and return it to the pot.
Stir in vinegar (or lemon juice) and sugar if using.
9. Serve warm.
Ladle into bowls, ideally with cornbread on the side.
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Description
Southern-Style Collard Greens are tender, silky, smoky, and savory. The slow simmer infuses the greens with deep richness while the broth becomes a flavorful liquid known as “potlikker”—a nutritious, savory broth prized in Southern households. Each bite is comforting and warm, with a gentle balance of earthiness, smoke, and tang.
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Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 120–170
Protein: 4–10 g (depending on smoked meat)
Fat: 4–12 g
Carbohydrates: 10–15 g
Fiber: 4–7 g
Rich in: Vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, folate, antioxidants
(Nutritional values vary depending on broth and meat used.)
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Conclusion
Southern-Style Collard Greens are a soulful, heritage-rich dish that blends comfort, nutrition, and tradition. Whether served as a side or the star of a meal, they bring depth, warmth, and nostalgia to any table. Their slow-cooked tenderness and savory aroma make them a timeless staple.
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Recommendation
Serve collard greens with:
Warm cornbread
Rice
Slow-roasted chicken
Fried catfish
Mashed potatoes
Black-eyed peas (especially for New Year’s)
They also taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy or unhealthy. Collard greens are nutrient-dense, full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the long simmering creates satisfying richness without needing cream or excessive fat. Enjoying Southern-Style Collard Greens is a way to indulge wholesomely—honoring tradition while nourishing the body.
