Collard Greens A La Hurt
Savory collard greens cooked with bacon and onions deliver hearty Southern flavors, perfect for family dinners or soulful gatherings, with a smoky, tender finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Separate the leaves from the stems of the collard greens and wash them in salt water for at least 2 hours.
- Change the water once or twice during soaking.
- Put the cleaned collard greens and onion quarters in a cooking pot.
- Let the mixture sit, covered, in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Add the bacon slices, cut up, to the pot and cook the greens on medium-low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider sautéing the onion in the bacon fat before adding the collard greens. If fresh collard greens aren't available, frozen ones can work as a substitute; just adjust the cooking time. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use smoked paprika for a similar depth of flavor. Don't skimp on the salt water soak; it helps reduce bitterness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve collard greens as a flavorful side dish alongside Southern staples like fried chicken or pork tender loin. They also pair well with cornbread for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider adding a side of green beans with ham hocks or a hearty cheese and bacon quiche.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover collard greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the pot and warm them on low heat to maintain their texture. You can also freeze the greens for up to 3 months; just be sure to cool them completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Collard Greens A La Hurt contains roughly 61 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 730mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other greens instead of collard greens?
Yes, you can substitute collard greens with other hearty greens like kale or mustard greens. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, as some greens are more tender than collards.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce according to your taste. You could also include some red pepper flakes during cooking for an extra kick.
What can I serve with collard greens?
Collard greens are versatile and complement a variety of dishes. They pair beautifully with pork recipes, fried fish, or even a simple grilled chicken. For a balanced meal, consider adding a starch like rice or cornbread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).