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Island Collards

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These Island Collards offer a comforting, Southern-inspired twist on a classic vegetable dish. The hearty collard greens are tenderized through slow cooking, absorbing the rich, smoky flavors of rendered bacon and aromatic garlic. The result is a dish that balances earthy greens with savory depth, perfect for adding a nutritious and flavorful side to any meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks, these greens retain a slight crunch for texture while being soft enough to enjoy easily. Simple ingredients come together to create a wholesome, satisfying component that pairs beautifully with rice, beans, or grilled proteins. It&# 226;ÂÂs a straightforward recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 8
Calories: 72.6
Dietary: Gluten-free, Omnivore
Description
These Island Collards offer a comforting, Southern-inspired twist on a classic vegetable dish. The hearty collard greens are tenderized through slow cooking, absorbing the rich, smoky flavors of rendered bacon and aromatic garlic. The result is a dish that balances earthy greens with savory depth, perfect for adding a nutritious and flavorful side to any meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks, these greens retain a slight crunch for texture while being soft enough to enjoy easily. Simple ingredients come together to create a wholesome, satisfying component that pairs beautifully with rice, beans, or grilled proteins. It&# 226;€™s a straightforward recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds Collard greens, stems removed and leaves washed
  • 1/4 lb Slab bacon, cut into 1/8-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp Finely minced garlic
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Defatted chicken broth
Directions
  1. 1
    Stack 4-6 collard leaves and roll them up diagonally.
  2. 2
    Thinly slice the leaves crosswise and reserve.
  3. 3
    Place bacon in a large, heavy pot over low heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring, to render fat.
  4. 4
    Add garlic to the bacon and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, but do not brown.
  5. 5
    Add collard greens to the pot in batches if necessary, stirring to combine with the bacon and garlic.
  6. 6
    Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. 7
    Drizzle the greens with chicken broth.
  8. 8
    Cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender but still slightly crunchy.
  9. 9
    Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 72.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1.6g3%
Saturated Fat 0.2g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 70.4mg3%
Total Carbohydrate 13.6g5%
Dietary Fiber 8.2g33%
Sugars 4.1g
Protein 6.1g13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Collard greens are a plentiful winter vegetable and a wonderful source of calcium and iron.

They are best and healthiest when eaten slightly crunchy, so be sure not to overcook them.

For a vegan version, substitute the bacon with smoked tofu or coconut aminos for smokiness, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Keywords: collard greens, southern cooking, braised greens, bacon, garlic, side dish, healthy vegetables, comfort food, vegan alternative, iron rich, calcium source, winter vegetables, easy recipes, family dinner, potluck dish, savory greens, traditional southern, leafy greens
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/island-collards/