How To Make Braised Collard Greens with Bacon

You’re invited to indulge in the comforting embrace of Southern style collard greens infused with smoky bacon goodness, perfectly complemented by the emotional depth and soulful vibes of Ndegeocello’s music. This soul food dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also soothes your soul, creating a dining experience that is both nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and soothe your soul as we explore the intersection of flavorful cooking and soul-stirring music, creating a dining experience that is both nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Related Collard Greens Recipes

• Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
• Instant Pot Collard Greens with Smoked Brisket
• Vegan Collard Greens
• Collard Greens Slaw

Braised collard greens with bacon is a classic Southern dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of tender collard greens, crispy bacon, and savory broth creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.

In this blog post, I’ll share a simple recipe for braised collard greens with bacon that you can easily prepare at home. Whether you’re a longtime fan of this dish or trying it for the first time, you’re sure to love the rich and comforting flavors of this delicious recipe.

If you’re like most people, collard greens may not be at the top of your list when it comes to your favorite vegetables. But don’t let that stop you from trying out this delicious recipe for braised collard greens with bacon!

It’s a straightforward dish that uses basic ingredients but extremely flavorful. By slowly simmering the tender leaves in a smoky broth, they become richly infused with flavor while still maintaining their crunchy texture. Bacon is used in place of the usual smoked ham hocks.

beats and eats (music to pair with braised collard greens)

Meshell Ndegeocello sings about her struggle to remain faithful in her relationship. It’s honest and the simple instrumentation elevates the song in the same way the bacon contributes multiple elements to this dish. Collard greens with bacon is a staple in soul food cuisine, enhancing the sensory and cultural experience. The song is a great pairing for a few different reasons:

1. Soulful Vibes: “Faithful” exudes a soulful and heartfelt vibe that resonates with the comforting and nostalgic appeal of the collard greens, both offering a sense of warmth and familiarity.
2. Emotional Depth: The song’s lyrics and melody carry emotional depth and authenticity, much like the rich and savory flavors of collards, which evoke memories and feelings of home and tradition.
3. Complexity and Layers: Just as “Faithful” incorporates intricate musical layers and harmonies, these greens offer a complex interplay of smoky, salty, and savory flavors, creating a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience.
4. Sensory Pleasure: The combination of Meshell Ndegeocello’s soulful voice and the aroma of bacon-infused collard greens can stimulate multiple senses, providing a multi-dimensional and pleasurable sensory experience.

Flavor Back-Story

For this Southern style collard greens dish, I wanted to add some Mexican elements to a classic Southern soul food recipe. Braised collards are great as is, but I added piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar) as a sweetener to balance against bitter greens. Having some type of sweetener is critical given the reduced cook time of the greens which are typically slow simmered for at least an hour plus some change.

Smoked turkey can also be used as an alternative to bacon for a different flavor profile.

I also used a chili paste to add more complexity to the braising liquid. I used a guajillo paste made by rehydrating dried guajillo chili peppers which are commonly used in regional Mexican cooking. You could easily use adobo sauce taken from canned chipotles. Either provides a smoky plus sneaky heat element to the liquid which works well with piloncillo, cider vinegar, and chicken stock.

ingredients needed to make braised collard greens with bacon

• Fresh Collard Greens, tough stems removed; fresh collard greens are preferred but bagged greens are acceptable.
• Bacon
• Yellow onion
• Garlic cloves
• Brown sugar or Piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar cone)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Chili paste - Adobo Sauce from canned chipotles or Make your own
• Chicken stock
• Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Allspice
• Red pepper flakes

How to braise fresh greens (step by step)

Heat dutch oven pan or stockpot on medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook to slightly crispy while rendering the fat.

Remove the bacon and allow to drain in a paper towel-lined bowl.

Add diced onions to the pot and saute 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic plus a quarter of the spice mix. Cook for another minute.

Add brown sugar, chili paste, and vinegar. Mix well and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.

Add collard greens and cook just to wilt. Using tongs you’ll want to mix the greens well in the rendered bacon fat, basically tossing until all the leaves are coated in the flavored bacon fat.

Add the chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining seasoning mix. Mix well and simmer 15 minutes. Add the reserved bacon back, mix in, and cook until the collard greens are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve cooked collard greens immediately with your favorite hot sauce.

what to serve with braised collards Southern style collard greens

Braised collard greens are a delicious and hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes and sides, particularly as a part of a soul food menu. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cooked collard greens:

1. Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing, cornbread complements the savory flavors of the collard greens.
2. Fried chicken: The crispy exterior of fried chicken contrasts with the tender collard greens and adds a protein component to the meal.
3. Smothered Pork Chops: Braised collard greens are a traditional accompaniment to pork dishes, especially pork chops!
4. Black-eyed peas: A Southern staple, black-eyed peas are a great side dish for braised collard greens and go together like peanut butter and jelly.
5. Candied sweet potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes provides a nice contrast to the savory collard greens, and the orange color of the potatoes adds visual interest to the plate.
6. Grilled fish: For a lighter main dish, grilled salmon or trout complements the earthy flavors of the collard greens and provides a healthy source of protein.

These are just a few ideas for what to serve with braised collard greens. Feel free to mix and match to create a delicious and balanced meal that meets your tastes and preferences.

Cooking tips, considerations, and substitutions

Here are some cooking tips, considerations, and substitutions that you can keep in mind when making braised collard greens with bacon:

1. Bacon: Choose a smoky thick cut bacon. This maximizes flavor given the smokiness as well as the plentiful rendering of fat. For a healthier version, you can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether for a vegan version and use olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic. Smoked turkey can be used but it’s an altogether different vibe.
2. Collard Greens: Collard greens are tough and bitter and can take a while to cook. The key to braising them is to cut them into smaller, thinner shreds which speeds up cook time. It also makes it easier to coat the greens in all that bacon flavor! Note you can substitute mustard greens or turnip greens for collard greens in other greens recipes as well.
3. Liquid: The liquid used in braising can vary depending on your preference. For a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a classic choice, but you can use any type of vinegar you prefer.
5. Seasonings: Other seasonings that can be added include smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cumin, or thyme.
6. Cutting/Chopping: For the bacon it’s easier to cut cold bacon so actually partially freeze them before using. To cut the greens roll the leaves like a cigar and then cut across into thin strips.
7. Alternative Greens: Mustard greens and turnip greens can be used with or instead of collard greens

Substitutions if Needed

If you're looking to make substitutions for Southern collard greens made with bacon, there are plenty of options to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Here are some alternatives:

Meat Substitutes

• Smoked Turkey: Use smoked turkey wings, legs, or necks for a similar smoky flavor without pork.
• Ham Hocks: These add a deep, smoky flavor similar to bacon and are often used in Southern cooking.
• Pancetta or Prosciutto: For a more refined flavor, use these cured meats in place of bacon.
• Sausage: Andouille or smoked sausage can provide a hearty, flavorful substitute.
• Vegetarian Option: Use smoked tempeh, soy-based bacon, or coconut bacon for a plant-based alternative.

Fat Substitutes

• Olive Oil: Use olive oil for sautéing the onions and garlic. It won't have the smoky flavor, but it's a healthier fat option.
• Butter: Adds richness to the dish, though it won’t provide the smoky flavor of bacon fat.
• Ghee: Clarified butter can be used for a rich, slightly nutty flavor.

Broth Substitutes

• Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Water with Bouillon: Use water with a bouillon cube or powder if you're out of broth.

Acidic Substitutes

• Lemon Juice: Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a fresh, tangy flavor.
• White Vinegar: A straightforward substitute for apple cider vinegar.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a slightly different tang and depth.

Spices and Seasonings

• Liquid Smoke: A few drops can impart a smoky flavor if you're using a vegetarian substitute.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat, use red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Onions and Garlic Substitutes

• Shallots: Use shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor.
• Leeks: Provide a subtle onion flavor and add a nice texture.
• Garlic Powder: If fresh garlic isn't available, use garlic powder.

Greens Substitutes

• Mustard Greens: Add a bit of a spicy kick compared to collard greens.
• Turnip Greens: Another traditional Southern green that can be used in place of collards.

These substitutions can help you tailor your Southern collard greens to your taste preferences or dietary needs while still creating a delicious and satisfying dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about cooking collard greens:

How long does it take to cook collard greens?

Collard greens can take up to an hour or more to cook, depending on the method used. Braising them low and slow with a flavorful liquid can take 20-30 minutes.

How do you clean collard greens?

To clean collard greens, place them in your clean sink. Swish them around in the water to loosen any dirt or debris. Drain the water and repeat this process until the water remains clear.

Can you eat collard greens raw?

Collard greens are tough and bitter when raw, so they are typically cooked before eating. However, you can chop them finely and add them to salads or smoothies for added nutrition.

Can you freeze collard greens?

Yes, you can freeze collard greens for later use. After washing and trimming them, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the collard greens and pack them into freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Are collard greens healthy?

Collard greens are a nutritious leafy green vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron.

make this Southern collard greens recipe

Braised Southern collard greens with bacon is an incredibly delicious and nutritious recipe that deserves a spot in any cook's kitchen. If you haven’t already, be sure to make this recipe soon! Not only does it provide a wealth of nutrients, but it also has a hearty flavor that can't be beat. Braised Collard Greens with Bacon is a timeless Southern classic perfect for any meal! So go ahead and give it a try - you won't regret it!

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