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Bowl of Southern Collard Green with bacon, meat, and vinegar.

Southern Collard Greens

Classic Southern Collard Greens simmered low and slow in a rich, smoky broth built with thick-cut bacon, smoked pork neck bones, apple cider vinegar, and chicken stock. Tender, flavor-packed, and foolproof.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Side Dishes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 229 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound smoked neck bones
  • 3 slices thick cut bacon roughly chopped
  • 1 cup onion small diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 quarts chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1-2 pinches red pepper flakes
  • 2 bunches collard greens cleaned, stemmed, and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
I always use Kosher salt in my kitchen! If using table salt, start with half the amount and adjust to taste, as it is much "saltier" by volume.

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the chopped bacon, diced onion, and smoked pork neck bones together until the bacon is browned and the onions are soft. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the chicken stock, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Mix well. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 45 to 60 minutes or until the pork neck bones are tender.
  • Wash the collard greens thoroughly in cold water to remove all dirt and grit. Strip or cut the leafy greens away from the thick center stems and discard the stems. Cut the leaves into 1-inch pieces.
  • Remove the pork neck bones from the pot. Shred the tender meat off the bones, discard the bones, and return the shredded pork to the pot.
  • Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and stir until they wilt into the broth. Cover and simmer for 1 hour or until the greens are tender, stirring occasionally.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot with plenty of pot liquor! Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 12gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 583mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3200IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 167mgIron: 1mg
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