Southern Collard Greens with Smoky Bacon

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped 2 pounds (900g) collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 8 slices of smoky bacon, chopped 8 slices of smoky bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
2. 2.
   Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, and cook for an additional minute.
3. 3.
   Add the collard greens to the pot and stir to coat them in the bacon grease and spices. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the collard greens are tender and flavorful.
5. 5.
   Stir in the cooked bacon and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

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.
• Smoky bacon — Look for bacon with a strong smoky flavor to enhance the taste of the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use regular bacon instead.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Serve the collard greens with a splash of hot sauce for an extra layer of heat.
• Leftover collard greens can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for even more flavor.
• Don't discard the cooking liquid! It can be used as a flavorful base for soups or stews.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern Collard Greens as a side dish alongside your favorite Southern comfort foods, such as fried chicken, cornbread, or black-eyed peas. The greens can also be enjoyed as a main course with a side of rice or mashed potatoes.

Presentation advice

Garnish the collard greens with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a few slices of cooked bacon for an appetizing presentation. Serve them in a rustic bowl or on a platter to showcase their vibrant green color.