Louisiana Collard Greens Recipes

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil and butter. Saute the onions until slightly softened, about 2 minutes, then add the red pepper flakes and garlic, cook another minute. Add collard greens and cook another minute. Add the vegetable stock, cover and bring to a simmer. Cook until greens are tender, about 40 minutes. Add tomatoes and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Steps:

• To prepare greens, cut away the tough stalks and remove all stems from the collards. Discard any leaves that are bruised or yellow. Wash the collards thoroughly to remove the grit, 2 or 3 times, until the water runs clear. Dry thoroughly -- you can do this easily by rolling them up in a clean dish towel. (I sometimes use two bags of pre-cut and prewashed collard green pieces from the produce section, but I still break off any large pieces of stem as they tend to be tough even after cooking.).
• Place a large pot or cast iron Dutch oven over medium heat and add the olive oil. When it is heated, add the onion, bay leaves and ham hock. (If using bacon, cook beforehand and then add when the greens go in.) Cook the mixture until the onions are soft and are starting to brown, about 8-10 minutes. To prevent the garlic from burning, add it just a few minutes before the onions are done.
• Pack in greens, pushing them down into the pot. Add the broth, vinegar and sugar. Bring up to a boil, turning the greens over occasionally with a wooden spoon as they wilt. Lower to a simmer, cover the pot and cook for 1 hour. Taste the "pot liquor" (broth) and check the seasoning, adding salt and pepper as desired.
• Cover again and let cook for an additional 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Some recipes use a lot less cooking time, but this additional time really helps all the flavors come together. (If using the bagged pre-cut collard greens, they may only have to cook for another 1 to 2 hours.) Remove the bay leaves and ham hock, dicing up and adding any meat from the ham hock, drain off excess cooking liquid, and serve.

Steps:

• To prepare the greens: cut away the tough stalks and stems from the collards and discard any leaves that are bruised or yellow. Fill the sink with water and salt, the salt helps to remove any impurities. Wash the collards thoroughly to remove the grit, 2 or 3 times, until the water runs clear. Dry thoroughly. Stack up several leaves and roll up lengthwise in a bundle, cut them into 1-inch ribbons. Repeat until all the leaves are shredded.
• Heat a large deep skillet over medium flame and coat with the oil. Add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes to soften. Add the greens and toss well with the oil and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the greens are wilted and tender; take care not to overcook. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Steps:

• Since Collard Greens are VERY SANDY you must cut of the ends and rinse 3-4 TIMES.
• Stack leaves on top of each other about 15 roll up then cut.
• Cut up salt pork into strips and fry in a pan -- Do not add any OIL or GREASE it will make it's own.
• If your using the smoked turkey, just add to the pot with 1/2 cup of water.
• Smash garlic with knife (do not chop up).
• Add water, red pepper, smashed garlic, onion & garlic powder and black pepper (add the SALT if your using the smoked turkey & add the smoked turkey) to large pot; bring to a boil.
• Add collard greens to pot (water level should be very low--DON'T ADD ANY MORE!).
• Bring back to a boil add salt pork and the grease it made into the pot.
• BE CAREFUL OIL WILL POP WHEN IT HITS THE WATER.
• Stir & cover and bring to very low heat.
• Cook greens for about 1 hour stirring occasionally, then add sugar/Splenda.
• Cook for another 30 minutes stirring occasionally.
• Now you have TRUE Southern Collard Greens.