Introduction
Welcome to our delightful Creamed Collard Greens recipe. This classic Southern dish has been cherished for generations, and we’re excited to share it with you using modern techniques that enhance its flavors while keeping tradition alive.
Tips for this Recipe
- Ensure your collard greens are thoroughly rinsed before preparation to remove any bitterness.
- For a creamier texture, let the bacon fat render fully in the slow cooker before adding other ingredients.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamed Collard Greens is a comfort food that celebrates the simplicity of ingredients paired with rich, savory notes. Its creamy texture and robust flavor profile are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something hearty yet refined.
Ingredients
- 2 large bunches collard greens (about 1 1/2 pounds), center stems removed and leaves cut into 1/2″ strips
- Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup 1/3″ pieces (about 6 ounces) thick-cut smoked bacon
- Unsalted butter, if needed
- 2 large shallots, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Freshly ground black pepper
Adviced Equipments
– Crockpot / Slow Cooker: Ideal for slow cooking the bacon and collard greens.
– Hand Blender/Immersion Blender: Perfect for achieving a smooth texture in the creamy sauce.
– Chef’s Knife / Cutting Board Set: Essential for preparing collard greens and shallots.
– Mandoline Slicer (optional): Useful for evenly cutting the collard leaves if needed.
– Canning Jars with Lids & Bands (Optional): Great for serving or storing leftovers in a clean, reusable way.
– Vegetable Peeler / Paring Knife: Helpful for removing stems and peeling shallots.
– Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
– Strainer/Sieve: Useful for straining excess liquid or rinsing ingredients if needed.
– Casserole Dish / Deep Skillet: Ideal for cooking the collard greens in a slow cooker setting.
History of the Recipe
Creamed Collard Greens has deep roots in Southern cuisine, reflecting both African culinary traditions and European influences. This dish typically emerged from necessity as a way to make use of every part of the collard plant, with leftovers being cooked down into a rich, satisfying meal.
Fun Facts about this Recipe
Did you know that collard greens are not only delicious but also highly nutritious? They’re packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. This recipe pays homage to the collard plant while embracing innovative cooking techniques.
