A type of vegetable that shares the same species as broccoli and cabbage, collard greens are known for their edible, dark-colored and large leaves. They are used commonly in cooking, particularly in places such as Portugal, Brazil and the United States. Furthermore, they can be used in combination with other vegetables like mustard greens, spinach and turnip greens. For those wish to learn how to cook collard greens, they can try tasty and simple dishes like Sauteed Collard Greens, Ham Hocks with Collard Greens and Collard Green Soup.
Sauteed Collard Greens
This recipe is relatively simple and very easy to make. The ingredients for this dish include a large chopped onion, 2-tablespoons of bacon drippings and about 3 to 4 pounds of collard greens. In addition, prepare a pinch of nutmeg, half tablespoon of salt and half tablespoon of pepper. Likewise, prepare a half-ripe tomato, preferably diced. Break off the collards by removing the stems. Run water on the leaves and then wash them thoroughly.
Reduce the sizes of leaves by cutting them into ¼-inch strips. Put the greens right into a pot and then allow them to boil for at least 30 minutes. Drain completely. Get a large skillet and set it on top of a moderate heat stove. Put the bacon drippings and then add the chopped onion. Cook until the meat is tender. Put the tomato in as well. Add the greens to the mix and then stir thoroughly. After cooking the dish, add the nutmeg and then serve. Adjust the flavor by adding desired amounts of salt and pepper.
Ham Hocks with Collard Greens
When cooking this recipe, the important ingredients include a medium-sized onion, a couple of large ham hocks and four bunches of collard greens. To season the dish, prepare a teaspoon each of crushed red pepper, regular pepper and salt. Take the leaves of the greens and then throw the stems away. Wash the leaves well, making sure that all grit and grime are washed off completely. Boil the ham hocks in moderate heat together with the chopped onion. Add the rest of the ingredients. Allow the dish to boil and then reduce the heat. Wait until greens are tender and then serve.
Collard Green Soup
Also referred to as Verzada, this dish uses ingredients like 2-packages of frozen collard greens, a piece of ham hock and 1½-pounds of dried great northern beans. Likewise, prepare a pinch of saffron, a couple of minced cloves garlic and a couple of medium-sized chopped onions. Do not forget to bring the ¼-pound Italian sausage as well as the ½-pound white bacon.
Soak the beans in a pot containing 2½-gallons of water. Allow them to soak overnight. Drain the water. Afterwards, put a gallon of fresh water and then add the garlic and ham. Boil the dish on top of a moderate heat stove for about 3 to 4 hours. In a nice clean pan, fry the bacon until it acquires a crispy texture. Use the bacon fat to sauté the onion. After that, add them right into the pot. Use the same frying pan and then sauté the sausage. Add the collard greens as well as the saffron. Wait for about 10 minutes more. If you wish, this dish can be served with olive oil and vinegar.
