I never thought collard greens could be so captivating until I stumbled upon this recipe, almost like discovering a hidden gem on a winding back road. The smoky allure of bacon mingles with the tender greens to create a dish that’s both rustic and somehow sophisticated. Sometimes I wonder if it’s the hint of garlic or the splash of vinegar that makes it irresistible, but either way, it’s a flavor journey worth taking.
Steps
- Begin by removing the tough stems from the center of each collard green leaf. Stack a few leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into thin strips.
- Heat a large sauté pan over low heat and cook the chopped bacon until the fat begins to render. Add olive oil and chopped garlic, sautéing until the garlic turns golden, which should take about a minute.
- Add the sliced collard greens to the pan and season with salt to taste. Cover the pan and cook the greens for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender.
Ingredients
- 1 slice bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 large bunch collard greens, washed and dried
- Salt, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 292 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 6 mg | Sodium: 272 mg | Fiber: 10 g | Sugar: 2 g
FAQ
- Are collard greens beneficial for health?
- Collard greens are a great addition to your diet due to their ability to help reduce cholesterol and their potential cancer-preventive effects. They are low in carbohydrates and calories, and are rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium.
- How should I clean collard greens?
- To clean collard greens, rinse them thoroughly and place the leaves in a large bowl or pot filled with water. Swirl them around and let them sit so the grit can settle at the bottom. Remove the greens and discard the water. Repeat this process until the water remains clear.
- What is the best way to cook collard greens?
- After cleaning, remove the central tough stems from the leaves. Stack several leaves, roll them up, and slice into thin strips. Sauté chopped bacon in a pan, then add olive oil and garlic. Once the garlic is golden, add the collard greens, season with salt, cover, and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
- What dishes pair well with collard greens?
- For a New Year’s meal, pair collard greens with Slow Cooked Black Eyed Peas with Ham for added good fortune. Pork dishes, such as Crispy Breaded Pork Chops or Pork Chops with Dijon Herb Sauce, are also excellent complements.
Tips
- Ensure thorough cleaning of the collard greens to remove all grit and sand. Submerge them in water, swish around, and repeat until the water is clear.
- For easier handling, remove the tough stems, stack the leaves, roll them up, and slice them into thin strips before cooking.
- Start cooking the bacon on low heat to render the fat before adding the olive oil and garlic, ensuring the garlic sautés to a golden color without burning.
- Cover the pan while cooking the collard greens to help them become tender more quickly, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Equipment
- Large Saute Pan – A large saute pan is necessary for cooking the bacon and collard greens together.
- Chef’s Knife – For efficiently chopping the bacon, garlic, and slicing the collard greens.
- Cutting Board – To provide a sturdy surface for safely cutting the ingredients.
