Braised Collard Greens Recipe – 5 Secrets to Silky Southern Perfection
Braised collard greens are a classic Southern side dish. Cooked low and slow with savory ingredients, they become tender and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
- Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add collard greens in batches, stirring until wilted.
- Pour in chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes until greens are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Remove thick stems from collard greens before cooking.
- For vegetarian version, replace bacon with olive oil and use vegetable broth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg