Quick Collard Greens Bacon Dish: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

Quick Collard Greens Bacon Dish is a delightful recipe that brings together the earthy flavors of collard greens and the savory richness of bacon in a matter of minutes. Growing up in the South, collard greens have always held a special place on our dinner table, often served during family gatherings and celebrations. This dish not only embodies the essence of Southern comfort food but also showcases the versatility of collard greens, which are packed with nutrients and flavor.

What I love most about this Quick Collard Greens Bacon Dish is how it perfectly balances taste and convenience. The tender greens, sautéed to perfection with crispy bacon, create a mouthwatering combination that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or a standout dish for your next potluck, this recipe is sure to impress. Join me as we dive into the simple steps to create this delicious meal that everyone will love!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh collard greens, washed and chopped
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparing the Collard Greens

First things first, let’s get our collard greens ready. I love using fresh greens for this dish, as they have a wonderful texture and flavor. Here’s how I prepare them:

1. Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly under cold running water. This helps remove any dirt or grit that may be hiding in the leaves.
2. Once washed, stack a few leaves on top of each other, and roll them tightly like a cigar. This makes it easier to chop them into strips.
3. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled greens into thin strips, about 1 inch wide. This technique is called chiffonade, and it’s perfect for collard greens.
4. Set the chopped collard greens aside in a large bowl.

Cooking the Bacon

Now, let’s move on to the bacon. The bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor that complements the collard greens beautifully. Here’s how I cook it:

1. In a large skillet or frying pan, place the chopped bacon over medium heat. I prefer using a cast-iron skillet for this, as it distributes heat evenly.
2. Cook the bacon for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and golden brown. The fat will render out, creating a lovely base for our dish.
3. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet; they will add flavor to the collard greens.

Sautéing the Aromatics

With the bacon cooked, it’s time to build the flavor base for our collard greens. Here’s how I do it:

1. In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
2. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. The aroma will be heavenly!

Cooking the Collard Greens

Now it’s time to add the star of the show: the collard greens! Here’s how to cook them to perfection:

1. Carefully add the chopped collard greens to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. It may seem like a lot at first, but they will wilt down significantly.
2. Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) to the skillet. This will help steam the greens and infuse them with flavor.
3. Add the apple cider vinegar and red pepper flakes. The vinegar adds a nice tang, while the red pepper flakes give it a bit of heat. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
4. Stir everything together, ensuring the collard greens are well coated with the broth and seasonings.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the collard greens cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be tender but still have a bit of bite to them.

Finishing Touches

As the collard greens cook, the flavors will meld beautifully. Here’s how to finish off the dish:

1. After 15-20 minutes, check the collard greens for tenderness. If they are to your liking, remove the lid and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
2. Once the greens are cooked to your preference,

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Quick Collard Greens Bacon Dish is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meal with a burst of flavor and nutrition. The combination of tender collard greens and crispy bacon creates a delightful contrast that is both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout side for your next gathering. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with cornbread for a classic Southern experience, or serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of vinegar for a tangy twist, or toss in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your taste, ensuring that it can be enjoyed in many different ways. I encourage you to give this Quick Collard Greens Bacon Dish a try and share your experience with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, I’m confident you’ll love the flavors and ease of this recipe. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out for you! Happy cooking! Print
   

   Quick Collard Greens Bacon Dish: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 40 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   This Southern-style collard greens recipe combines fresh greens with crispy bacon, onions, and garlic, simmered in savory chicken broth. A splash of apple cider vinegar and red pepper flakes add tang and warmth, making it an ideal side dish for any meal.

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   Ingredients

   • Collard greens
   • Crispy bacon
   • Salt
   • Pepper
   • Olive oil (optional)
   • Diced tomatoes (optional)
   • Smoked sausage (optional)
   • Hot sauce (optional)
   • Onions
   • Garlic
   • Chicken broth
   • Apple cider vinegar
   • Red pepper flakes

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   Instructions

   1. Stir in the crispy bacon pieces and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you opted for olive oil, drizzle it in at this stage for extra richness.
   2. Give everything a final stir to combine, and then remove from heat.
   3. Serve the collard greens warm as a delicious side dish or as part of a main meal.

   Notes

   • Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as diced tomatoes, smoked sausage, or even a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
   • Collard greens are versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences!

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 25 minutes