Vince Early'S Greens
Vince Early's Greens is a hearty Southern-style dish featuring tender collards, smoky bacon, savory ham, and okra, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crispy, retaining the bacon grease.
- Add cleaned, chopped collards to a large pot with water, bacon grease, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 2 hours or until greens are tender.
- Add ham steak and frozen okra to the pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Crumble bacon and sprinkle on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, you can sauté the chopped onion in the bacon grease before adding the collards. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ham steak and bacon with smoked paprika and liquid smoke for a similar taste. Fresh collards can be used instead of frozen, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Vince Early's Greens as a hearty side dish to complement roasted meats or a warm cornbread. They pair beautifully with a Layered Deli Sandwich for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the flavorful broth.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist. They can also be microwaved in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vince Early'S Greens contains roughly 170 calories, with 9g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1041mg per serving (45% 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 fresh okra instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh okra can be used in place of frozen. Simply slice it into rounds and add it to the pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Fresh okra will add a nice texture and flavor to the dish.
What can I substitute for collards if I can't find them?
If collards are unavailable, you can substitute with kale or Swiss chard. Both greens will provide a different flavor profile but will still work well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as these greens may cook more quickly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while the greens are cooking. You can also serve the dish with hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to customize their spice level.
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).