Print

Southern Collard Greens Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 86 reviews

This Southern Collard Greens recipe offers a hearty and traditional side dish, featuring tender collard greens simmered in olive oil and kosher salt. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to bring out the deep, earthy flavors, it’s a classic comfort food staple in Southern cuisine.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches fresh collard greens, thoroughly washed (about 1 pound of leaves)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Collard Greens: Remove thick stems from the collard greens and stack the leaves. Roll them up tightly and slice into 1 to 2 inch wide strips to ensure even cooking and easier eating.
  2. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the ¼ cup of olive oil until shimmering but not smoking. This will provide a flavorful base for cooking the greens.
  3. Add the Collard Greens: Add the sliced collard greens to the pot. They may pile up initially but will reduce significantly once cooked.
  4. Season the Greens: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of kosher salt evenly over the greens. The salt will both season the dish and help the greens break down to tender perfection.
  5. Simmer the Greens: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow the collard greens to cook gently for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
  6. Check for Tenderness: The collard greens should be extremely tender but not mushy. Adjust salt to taste if needed.
  7. Serve Warm: Transfer the cooked collard greens to a serving dish and enjoy as a hearty, flavorful side dish accompanying your favorite Southern meals.

Notes

  • Be sure to thoroughly wash collard greens as they can hold dirt and grit between their large leaves.
  • Removing the thick stems improves texture and tenderness.
  • Simmering on low heat allows the flavors to develop without burning the greens.
  • Adjust salt according to taste and dietary preferences.
  • For extra flavor, some cooks add smoked turkey or ham hocks, but this recipe keeps it simple and vegetarian.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/southern-collard-greens-recipe/