Short Cut Collard Greens Food

QUICK COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• To prepare the collards: Cut out the thick center rib out of each collard green. Stack the rib-less greens and roll them up into a cigar-like shape. Slice over the "cigar" as thinly as possible (⅛″ to ¼″) to make long strands. Shake up the greens and give them a few chops so the strands aren't so long.
• Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add all of the collard greens and the salt.
• Stir until all of the greens are lightly coated in oil, then let them cook for about 30 seconds before stirring again. Continue stirring in 30-second intervals until the greens are wilted, dark green, and some are starting to turn browns on the edges (this is delicious). This will take between 3 to 6 minutes.
• Once the collards are just about done, add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to break up the garlic and cook until it's fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat.
• Immediately divide the cooked collards onto plates, and serve with a lemon wedge each.

COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Add 1 pound chopped collard greens, a handful at a time, adding more as it cooks down. Add 1 cup chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until tender, about 45 minutes.
• Serves: 4; Calories: 75; Total Fat: 3 grams; Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams; Protein: 4 grams; Total carbohydrates: 10 grams; Sugar: 2 grams; Fiber: 4.5 grams; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Sodium: 162 milligrams

SLOW-COOKED COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• To prepare the greens: cut away the tough stalks and stems from the collards, and discard any leaves that are bruised or yellow. Wash the collards thoroughly to remove the grit, 2 or 3 times, until the water runs clear. Dry thoroughly. Tear the leaves into large pieces.
• Place a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and ham hock. Cook until the onions are soft and starting to brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Pack in the greens, pushing them down into the pot. Add the broth, vinegar, and sugar. Bring up to a boil turning the greens over occasionally with a wooden spoon as they wilt. Lower to a simmer, cover the pot, and let cook for 45 minutes. Taste the "pot liquor" (broth) and check the seasoning, add salt and pepper. Cover and let cook for 15 more minutes. Remove the bay leaves and serve.

COLLARD GREENS WITH HAM HOCKS

Steps:

• In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil. Add the ham hocks and sear on all sides. Meanwhile, prepare the collards by ripping the leaf away from the spine. Pile the greens on top of each other and cut into long strips; then cut the strips to make squares. Set aside.
• When the ham hocks are lightly browned, add the onions and garlic to the pot; stir and sweat them until the onions are translucent and tender, 2 minutes. Add half of the greens and a cup of stock so the greens begin to wilt. Season with a pinch of salt (which will also help the wilting process) and stir to combine. Then, add the remaining greens and another cup of stock and cover to steam, about 2 minutes. Add 1-2 cups more stock, to just cover the greens and ham hocks. Season with more salt and pepper, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook, 1-1½ hours.
• After 1-1½ hours, use tongs to remove the ham hocks to cool (they'll be falling off the bone). Add another ½ cup of stock, the cane vinegar, and the cane syrup to the greens. Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. When the ham hocks have cooled, pull the meat off the bones, chop finely, and add back into the greens. Serve in a bowl with bits of ham hock and plenty of the "potlikker."

COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• In a high-sided skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until brown, about 5 minutes. In the same pan add the onions and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Strip the leaves from the tough stems of the collard greens. Stack the leaves, roll them up and cut them into thin strips.
• To the skillet with the bacon and onions, add the garlic and red pepper flakes, brown sugar, cider vinegar, salt and pepper, to taste. Add the greens, stir and cover the skillet. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring halfway though. Collards are done when tender and no longer bitter. Remove from heat to a serving bowl. Serve the greens with the Light and Crispy Fried Chicken, if desired.

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.