Soulful Collard Green Soup

Ingredients

In this soul food adaptation, we substitute the original taccole (Italian green beans) with collard greens, a staple in soul food cuisine. The addition of smoky bacon and soul food spices like paprika and cayenne pepper infuses the soup with a distinct soulful flavor profile. These adaptations give the dish a heartier and more robust taste, while still maintaining the essence of the original Italian recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Zuppa di taccole, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped 1 pound (450g) collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: hot sauce for serving Optional: hot sauce for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• 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 fat in the pot.
2. 2.
   Add the diced 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 chopped collard greens to the pot and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the paprika and cayenne pepper.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the collard greens are tender.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the soup hot, garnished with the crispy bacon. Optionally, add a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.

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.
• Bacon — Choose a high-quality bacon for the best flavor. If you prefer a smokier taste, opt for smoked bacon.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Adjust the spiciness of the soup by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your preference.
• Serve the soup with a side of cornbread for a complete soul food experience.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.
• Feel free to add other soul food ingredients like smoked turkey or ham hock for additional flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Collard Green Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of crispy bacon for added texture and flavor. Accompany the soup with a slice of cornbread or a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Soulful Collard Green Soup in a rustic soup bowl, allowing the vibrant green color of the soup to shine through. Place a small mound of crispy bacon on top as a garnish. Serve with a side of cornbread on a wooden board for a visually appealing presentation.