Southern Greens
Southern Greens are a hearty and flavorful dish, combining the rich, earthy taste of fresh greens like collards, mustard, and kale with the savory addition of salt pork. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy traditional comfort food and pairs wonderfully with cornbread or as a side to southern-style meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak greens in several changes of cold water; drain.
- Transfer to a large saucepot; cover and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until stems are just tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain and cool slightly; coarsely chop.
- Add salt pork to a large skillet and cook over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Add pepper flakes and salt.
- Stir in chopped greens; cover and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For more flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the saltiness of the pork. If you don't have salt pork, smoked turkey or ham hock are great substitutes for that rich flavor. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference, and remember to rinse the greens thoroughly to remove any grit.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Southern Greens hot as a side dish, ideally alongside cornbread or collard greens for a true Southern feast. They pair beautifully with Company Pork Chops or can be served over rice for a hearty meal. A drizzle of hot sauce adds an extra kick if desired.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Southern Greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. They can also be reheated in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Greens contains roughly 109 calories, with 5g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (102% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen greens instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen greens, but adjust the cooking time, as they may require less time to become tender. Thaw them first, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding them to the skillet with the salt pork.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Southern Greens vegetarian, substitute the salt pork with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of water while cooking the greens to enhance the taste.
What other dishes can I pair with Southern Greens?
Southern Greens are versatile and complement many dishes. They go well with Barbecued Green Beans and can be served alongside classic American recipes like fried chicken or a hearty Layered Casserole for a complete meal.
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).