Best Ginas Best Collard Greens Recipes

GINA'S COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Thoroughly wash collard greens, be sure to pull leaves apart and remove any sand. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of salted water to a simmer. Place smoked ham hocks in salted water and cover. Cook ham hocks until slightly tender and remove from pan. In the same saucepan, add collard greens and remaining ingredients. Cover and cook greens for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until water reduces, add more water and additional salt and sugar, to taste.

SHORT-CUT COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Remove the stems and center ribs from the collard greens and discard. Cut the leaves into 1/2-inch strips. Place the greens into a large, microwave-safe bowl with the water and cover tightly. Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
• In the meantime, preheat a large skillet and cook the bacon for 2 minutes on each side. Remove the bacon from the pan, chop, and set aside. Add the oil and onion to the pan and cook until onions have softened, about 2 minutes. Add the collard greens and stir in the vinegar, maple syrup, red pepper flakes, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, for 30 minutes. Add the chopped bacon to the pan, and season with salt.

SMOKED BRAISED MIXED GREENS

Steps:

• Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and render until you have enough fat to saute the garlic and onions. Add the garlic and onions and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the pinch red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper and cook for 1 minute more. Add the greens in handfuls, adding more as the greens start to wilt, tossing with tongs until all the greens are wilted down. Add the chicken stock and cover. Cook until the greens are tender, about 10 minutes.

GRANDMA'S SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat 1 tablespoon lard over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender. Add ham hocks, water, seasoned salt, pepper flakes, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until meat is tender, 55-60 minutes., Add collard greens, wine, and remaining 1 Tbsp. lard. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until greens are very tender, 55-60 minutes. Remove meat from bones; finely chop and return to pan. Discard bones. Serve with a slotted spoon.