Sweet and Tangy Collard Greens

Sweet and Tangy Collard Greens
Sweet and Tangy Collard Greens
On New Year's Day, Julia Sullivan, chef at Henrietta Red in Nashville, TN, makes black-eyed peas and these collard greens. "It’s something my mom has always done, and I think my grandparents, too. It’s a superstitious thing. The black-eyed peas bring good luck, and the greens symbolize money." Finishing these collard greens with vinegar means they tend to be on the acidic side. If you like yours sweeter, add less vinegar and up the sugar.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: 8 servings
Bon Appétit New Year's Day Southern Tennessee Leafy Green Collard Greens Bacon Garlic Vinegar Side Braise
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 4 ounces slab bacon, finely chopped (optional)
  • 3 pounds collard greens (about 3 bunches), ribs and stems removed, leaves sliced crosswise into 1-inch-thick strips
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water

Preparation Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium. Add bacon, if using, and cook, stirring occasionally, until some of the fat begins to collect in the pot and bacon starts to look shiny, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and softened, 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Working in batches, add collard greens to pot, letting greens wilt slightly after each handful before adding more. Add broth, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring often, until greens wilt and lose about half of their original volume, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover pot, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and liquid is almost completely evaporated, 25–30 minutes. Stir in vinegar and sugar and cook another minute to allow sugar to dissolve; season with salt and pepper.

Preparation Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium. Add bacon, if using, and cook, stirring occasionally, until some of the fat begins to collect in the pot and bacon starts to look shiny, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and softened, 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Working in batches, add collard greens to pot, letting greens wilt slightly after each handful before adding more. Add broth, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring often, until greens wilt and lose about half of their original volume, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover pot, and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and liquid is almost completely evaporated, 25–30 minutes. Stir in vinegar and sugar and cook another minute to allow sugar to dissolve; season with salt and pepper.