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Slow-Simmered Southern Collard Greens with Bacon

A close-up of a bowl filled with tender, dark green collard greens topped with crispy bacon bits.
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Make tender, flavorful Southern collard greens using bacon for a smoky taste. This recipe provides simple steps for classic comfort food side dishes.

Ingredients

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  • 2 pounds fresh collard greens, washed and chopped
  • 6 cups water or chicken broth
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Place the chopped collard greens and water or broth into a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring the liquid to a boil.
  2. While the greens are coming to a boil, cook the bacon in a separate skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat in the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Carefully add the onion and garlic mixture, along with the rendered fat, to the boiling greens.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the collard greens are very tender. Stir occasionally.
  7. Stir in the salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  8. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon pieces just before serving.

Notes

  • For a smoky flavor without bacon, substitute with one smoked turkey wing or a small ham hock during the simmering process. Remove the meat before serving and shred if desired.
  • If you prefer a quicker method, use an Instant Pot. After boiling the greens briefly, pressure cook for 15 minutes on high pressure with the other ingredients, then allow for a natural pressure release.
  • If the cooking liquid seems too thin at the end, remove the lid and let the greens simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce the liquid.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/collard-greens-slow-simmered-southern-bacon-recipe/