Indulge in the comforting flavors of Bacon Braised Collard Greens, where hearty greens meet crispy bacon and a splash of vinegar for a dish that’s both soul-nourishing and undeniably delicious. Perfect as a side or a simple vegetarian main, this recipe brings together taste and nutrition in just 20 minutes!
Budget Information
Total recipe cost: $7.50
Cost per serving: $1.88
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrients! The combination of sautéed bacon and tender collard greens creates a savory depth that transforms simple greens into a star dish. The bacon infuses the greens with a delightful smokiness, while the hint of vinegar adds a brightness that counteracts the richness. It’s a quick and easy way to sneak more veggies onto your plate—perfect for both greens enthusiasts and the bacon lovers among us!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
– 1 pound collard greens ($2.00)
– 4 slices bacon ($1.50)
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) ($0.50)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth ($1.00)
– Salt and pepper to taste ($0.10)
– Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced ($0.20).
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Start by prepping your collard greens. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit. Once clean, remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. This is crucial because you want your greens to cook evenly and soften beautifully.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until it’s just starting to crisp up, watching closely so it doesn’t burn—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. As the bacon cooks, let the savory aroma waft through your kitchen; it’s the scent of comfort!
Step 3: Once the bacon is perfectly crispy, add in the collard greens and stir-fry them for about 5 minutes. You’ll see them wilting down as they absorb the bacon drippings, enhancing their flavor immensely. It’s like seeing the magic of cooking unfold!
Step 4: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the greens, stirring to combine. Let that tangy goodness mingle with the greens for an additional 2-3 minutes before moving on. Can you smell how good this is getting?
Step 5: Finally, pour in the broth and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the greens simmer until they’re fork-tender, around 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Just like that, you have a delicious side dish or main that’s ready to bring comfort to your table!
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 69 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Total Fats: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 613 mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or skillet over low heat until heated through. If the greens seem dry, add a splash of broth or water during reheating to bring back that luscious texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Bacon Braised Collard Greens make a fantastic side dish with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish. You could also serve them atop a hearty grain bowl or alongside cornbread for a traditional Southern touch. And let’s not forget—they’re irresistible on their own!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Feel free to customize the dish by adding other ingredients such as diced onions or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Remember to adjust the cooking time depending on how tender you prefer your greens—less time for a bit of crunch and longer for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen collard greens?
A: Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as frozen greens will break down quicker than fresh.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free broth.
Q: Can I omit the bacon?
A: Yes! Just sauté the greens with olive oil or coconut oil, and season them with smoked paprika to get a similar flavor.
Q: How can I make this vegetarian?
A: Simply replace the bacon with mushrooms or just go with the olive oil option!
Q: What other greens can I use?
A: Kale, mustard greens, or even Swiss chard can also work well in this recipe, providing a deliciously different flavor!
