Fresh Country Collard Greens Food

SOUTHERN STYLE COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Combine onions, ham hocks, and garlic in a stockpot; add chicken broth. Cook mixture over medium heat until meat is falling off the bone, about 2 hours.
• Stir collard greens, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper into the broth mixture; cook until greens have reached desired tenderness, about 2 more hours.

SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Prepare the collard greens bath by filling your kitchen sink with cool water and adding vinegar and salt.
• Remove the collard greens from the steams by folding them in half lengthwise and pulling the leaf away from the stem. (discard the stem or see note below on how to cook them)
• Place the collard greens into the prepared water bath and swish them around several times, scrubbing them to help loosen up any dirt.
• Let the collard greens soak for 15-20 minutes, giving them a scrub midway. Drain the water and refill with plain water and allow the greens to soak again if needed. Repeat as many times as needed until the water is free from any dirt or grit. After the final soak, drain the water. Next, rinse and scrub each leaf front and back with cool water to ensure they are squeaky clean.
• Tear the greens into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
• In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onions and saute until tender.
• Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until garlic is fragrant.
• Pour in the broth and add the turkey leg. Bring to a boil.
• Add collard greens and reduce heat to a simmer.
• Cover and cook collard for 1 hour (or longer depending on your desired tenderness), stirring regularly.
• Once done, stir and then taste the broth and the greens. (add a little water if the broth is too bold for your liking)
• Stir in vinegar and smoked salt, and black pepper if desired.
• Serve collard greens with pieces of the smoked turkey leg and hot sauce if desired.

FRESH SOUTHERN-STYLE COLLARD GREENS RECIPE

Steps:

• Wash collard greens in about 3 to 4 changes of water, until no sandy sediment can be felt at the bottom of the sink or bowl.
• Lay each leaf out and cut out the thick center stalk and any very thick veins. Layer several leaves and roll them; Cut the rolled leaves into 1/2-inch strips (chiffonade style). You may also chop the leaves.
• In a large skillet over medium heat cook the diced bacon or jowl to render some of the fat. Discard the drippings or save and refrigerate for another use.
• In a large stockpot or Dutch oven bring the 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the cooked bacon or hog jowl, the chopped onions, salt, red and black peppers, and seasoned salt or Cajun seasoning, if using. Add the greens to boiling water. You might have to add the collard greens in batches.
• Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 1 hour, or until greens are tender.
• Serve the collard greens with freshly baked cornbread and pass the hot pepper vinegar or pepper sauce at the table. Serves 4 to 6. Tips and Variations

FRESH COUNTRY COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• 1. Remove collard greens from stalk and then remove the stems from the leaves. Roll leaves up and slice into strips. Wash thoroughly, taking care to remove any sand or grit.
• 2. Place in large stock pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer until greens have cooked down and turned a bright green color.
• 3. Place collard greens in colander and drain well. Rinse one more time with cool water. Place collards and seasonings into a crock pot and cook on high for about 2 hours and then reduce heat to low and continue to cook for about three more hours or until greens are tender and meat is cooked. Enjoy with fresh hot cornbread or muffins.

SIMPLE AND FRESH COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Chop your greens into 1 inch strips that are no longer than 4 or 5 inches long (or you'll be getting a mouthful of stringy greens!). (I like to cut down the middle of the leaf and then put one half on top of the other and chop into strips).
• Rinse your greens (This is an important step! The water that stays on helps these cook to perfection).
• Heat your skillet to medium and spray or add oil, and garlic if wanted. Then just add your greens (these will shrink down a lot so you can do it in a small pan) and stir just until all greens have just turned bright green, usually not more than 3~ minutes.
• Turn up to medium-hot and fry for 30 more seconds or until greens are just tender.
• Toss with salt and pepper to taste (for this amount I usually use about 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper). Serve with your favorite entree :)!

KICKIN' COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add bacon, and cook until crisp. Remove bacon from pan, crumble and return to the pan. Add onion, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, and cook until just fragrant. Add collard greens, and fry until they start to wilt.
• Pour in chicken broth, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until greens are tender.

GRANDMA'S SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat 1 tablespoon lard over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender. Add ham hocks, water, seasoned salt, pepper flakes, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until meat is tender, 55-60 minutes., Add collard greens, wine, and remaining 1 Tbsp. lard. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until greens are very tender, 55-60 minutes. Remove meat from bones; finely chop and return to pan. Discard bones. Serve with a slotted spoon.