Soulful Spiced Collard Greens with a Kimchi Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Southern collard greens are infused with the bold flavors of Korean kimchi. The addition of kimchi adds a tangy and spicy kick to the dish, creating a unique fusion of flavors. The original dish is transformed into a soulful and vibrant creation that combines the best of both cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Gat kimchi, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped 2 pounds (900g) collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 6 slices bacon, diced 6 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (235ml) chicken broth 1 cup (235ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (235ml) kimchi, chopped 1 cup (235ml) kimchi, chopped
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 8g
• 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 bacon grease in the pot.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. 3.
   Add the collard greens to the pot and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken broth, chopped kimchi, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the collard greens are tender.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with the crispy bacon.

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.
• Kimchi — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can rinse the kimchi before chopping it. Adjust the amount of kimchi according to your taste preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.
• Serve the collard greens with cornbread or rice for a complete soul food experience.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
• Experiment with different types of kimchi to find your favorite flavor profile.

Serving advice

Serve the Kimchi Collard Greens as a side dish alongside your favorite soul food main course. It pairs well with fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or blackened catfish. Don't forget to garnish with the crispy bacon for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the collard greens in a serving dish, making sure to showcase the vibrant green color. Sprinkle the crispy bacon on top for added visual appeal. Serve with a side of cornbread or rice to complete the presentation.