Dorset-inspired Collard Greens

Ingredients

In this Dorset-inspired adaptation, we incorporate local ingredients and flavors to give the traditional Southern American Collard Greens a unique twist. We replace the traditional ham hock with smoked bacon, which adds a smoky richness to the dish. Additionally, we use Dorset sea salt to enhance the flavors and highlight the regional influence. We alse have the original recipe for Collard Greens, so you can check it out.

• 2 bunches of collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped (500g) 2 bunches of collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped (500g)
• 4 slices of smoked bacon, diced (120g) 4 slices of smoked bacon, diced (120g)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar (30ml) 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons of honey (30ml) 2 tablespoons of honey (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon of Dorset sea salt (5g) 1 teaspoon of Dorset sea salt (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (2g) 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (2g)
• 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (470ml) 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (470ml)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 10g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. 3.
   Add the collard greens to the pot and stir well to coat them with the bacon fat and onion mixture.
4. 4.
   Pour in the cider vinegar and honey, and season with Dorset sea salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. 5.
   Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot, cover, and simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the collard greens are tender.
6. 6.
   Once the collard greens are cooked to your desired tenderness, stir in the crispy bacon.
7. 7.
   Serve the Dorset-inspired Collard Greens hot as a side dish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Collard greens — Make sure to remove the tough stems before chopping the leaves. Wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
• Dorset sea salt — Use this local specialty to enhance the flavors of the dish. If you can't find Dorset sea salt, you can substitute it with any high-quality sea salt.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh for a smoky flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dish by adding more or less honey and cider vinegar according to your taste preferences.
• Serve the collard greens with a sprinkle of grated Dorset cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
• Serve the collard greens alongside roasted pork or grilled sausages for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Dorset-inspired Collard Greens as a side dish alongside your favorite main course. They pair exceptionally well with roasted meats, grilled sausages, or even as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an added touch of freshness and visual appeal.