Perfect Southern Greens (Kale, Beet, Collard Greens, Mustard)

"This recipe yields the best tasting greens I have ever eaten! I have yet to have a batch of bitter greens when cooked this way. This recipe has the potential to change the minds of green-haters and may even bring about a cute southern accent. Blanching the greens before adding to the slow cooker helps remove the natural bitterness. I usually make it with kale and beet greens but other greens work as well. The greens pair well with pilsner or an off-dry riesling, especially if you use the balsamic vinegar."
 
Download
photo by ncmysteryshopper photo by ncmysteryshopper
photo by ncmysteryshopper
photo by DeE M. photo by DeE M.
photo by DeE M. photo by DeE M.
photo by MelvinsWifey photo by MelvinsWifey
photo by FitWitch photo by FitWitch
Ready In:
4hrs 10mins
Ingredients:
12
Serves:
4
Advertisement

ingredients

  • 1 bunch kale
  • 1 bunch beet leaves (collards, mustard, turnip) or 1 bunch other greens (collards, mustard, turnip)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, minced (discard seeds for less heat)
  • 12 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 14 cup cubed ham (I used prepackage mini cubes)
  • 3 slices bacon
  • 2 12 cups water (more if needed)
  • salt and pepper
  • balsamic vinegar (optional)
Advertisement

directions

  • Tear greens into large pieces and discard the thick vein. Add greens to a pot of boiling salted water (I use kosher salt). Let boil for about 6 minutes. Drain and Rinse.
  • While the greens are boiling, preheat a heavy skillet with olive oil, add onion and garlic; sauté until onions are lightly brown, add minced jalapeno peppers and cook for an additional minute or two.
  • Put the sautéed onions in the slow-cooker then add the drained greens, ham, bacon, crushed red pepper and water.
  • Cook on high for 4 hours or until greens are tender.
  • Serve with balsamic vinegar, optional.

Questions & Replies

  1. Anyone try this in an Instant Pot? If so how long of a cook time?
     
  2. How much is a "bunch". I looked it up on line, and it seems anywhere from .6 lbs to 1.5 lbs. This will be made from my garden greens, so does it really matter?
     
  3. How nutrient are collards and kale greens after a four hour boil?
     
Advertisement

Reviews

  1. NcMystery; This is the way my family has been doing it since I was in three corner pants.(I'll be 80 in April). THE ONLY difference is that I cook the bacon and add the onions etc. to the bacon fat. Just an added flavor to relish. Where I come from pork rules and the only thing we never used was the oink. Simply because we couldn't catch it. Cap'n Jack
     
  2. Yehaw! We loved these! The dinner bell was a ringin' and the people came a runnin! I followed this exactly, and had a ham hock and threw that in as well. Wow! These are amazing, and I don't know about bitter greens, I've never had them, but I can tell you these are as smooth as a load of jello on a greased dish. It's great and beneficial to cook these low and slow, so all the special ingredients combine and marry in a perfect ceremony. Perfection on a country plate!
     
  3. I'm a veggie, so subbed a bit of sesame oil for the bacon---nice nutty flavor!
     
  4. The best greens ever. And they freeze well too.
     
  5. This recipe is perfect just how it is. I don't care much for balsamic with the greens, but it's optional as the recipe states. I grew up in Texas and my east Texan grandmother who grew up on a farm made greens like these with her fried chicken. I have yet to find a recipe that rivals her chicken but these greens will do the trick. We make them every year on New Years Day to eat with cornbread and black-eyed peas. Thank you soooooooo much for posting.
     
Advertisement

Tweaks

  1. I stir fry the collards and kale greens in olive oil , bacon, and meat off the bone ham hocks or smoked turkey drum sticks and/or wings. Add chicken stock. Bring to a boil. Let boil for about 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce to a simmer. Allow to simmer for about 30 mins. I would never boil GREENS for four hours!
     
  2. I made mine with fresh cut collard greens and beet greens, used chopped kielbasa, instead of jalapeno(didn't have any)used sriracha mayo and 4-5 large spoonfuls of Louisiana cajun seafood boil(we like spicy) and added cut carrots, cut potatoes, lima beans and a few sliced beets. I also used a lil bit more sugar to take the tart/earthy flavor down! And stove top cooked it instead of slow cooker! Came out AWESOME!! Even my finicky eater devoured the dish and asked for more..
     
  3. I'm a veggie, so subbed a bit of sesame oil for the bacon---nice nutty flavor!
     
  4. This is my first time ever making and tasting greens. Wow, I don't know why I was so apprehensive (sp?) about making them. This recipe is delicious. I couldn't get enough. Even my children were snarfing it down....lol. I used kale and collard greens, they were perfect. Also instead of the cubed ham I used a ham hock instead, simply delicious. I will definately make this recipe again, I just wish I didn't wait so long to try them in the first place.....Thank you so much....STephanie
     
  5. I sent this recipe to my sister in law to use for the traditional New Years Day meal. She prepared it using one package of frozen kale and a little bacon grease instead of the bacon. The dish was by far the best greens I have had in my entire life!!! I can't wait until I can taste this again! So delicious with an awesome kick from the jalepenos. MMMMM MMMM GOOD!!!
     

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I live in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina on Butler Mountain. I am a mystery shopper for restaurants and retail establishments. I graduated from UNC-Asheville with a BFA in art (photography). I was just recently married in Costa Rica to KC and his 6 year old son, Ty. Our wedding was perfect and I will cherish the memories forever. Leslie, Mama's Kitchen, sassafrasnanc, Mommy Diva and Chef V attended the wedding with their husbands!! Leslie's daughter Sarah was our flower girl and her hubby Wayne was our talented musician! I had the time of my life!!! <embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w3.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/897d027c.pbw" height="360" width="480"> Our family is rounded out with 6 Bengals, 1 Jack Russell Terror named Harley, a ferret named Mason, giant gold fish, a water dragon named Crusoe, a Beautiful Appaloosa/Arabian named Sassy, a stunning Palomino Quarter Horse named Sweet Pea and a gorgeous black Standardbred named Domino! We also have added a Leopard Appaloosa rescue horse to the mix. Her name is Pebbles and she is lovely! <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thstatenorthcara1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/artsyfartsya1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/buttermybutt.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/anotherdayinparadise.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/countrygirla1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/truelove.gif"> <embed src="http://w3.photobucket.com/widgets/Bucketshow.swf" quality="high" bgcolor="ffffff" width="300" height="300" name="Bucketshow" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="url=http://w3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/cutest of cute/&name=ourcuties"></embed> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/imengageda1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/love31a.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/someoldnewa1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/crazyinlovea1.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/wedding2.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/praying_for_my_bean.gif"> I love Zaar! I have so many wonderful friends here and I really enjoy being a Forum Host. I love the games in the Contest & Events Forum! The games are addictive and a great opportunity to meet the members of this community. I had a blast co-hosting the first Zaar World Tour 2005 with ~Leslie~. Zaar World Tour II doubled in size and ~Leslie~ and I were joined with co-hosts Mama�s Kitchen and kzbhansen. Zaar World Tour 3 doubled again in size and Leslie, Mama's Kitchen and I were joined with SusieD, PanNan and JustCallMeToni! We also established the "Whine and Cheese Gang" which was a wonderful team that was put together to help all the teams playing. Zaar World Tour IV will be bigger and even better!!! Click on the image below to watch the Zaar World Tour 2 recap and promo for ZWT3. <embed width="448" height="361" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://i3.photobucket.com/remix/player.swf?videoURL=http%3A%2F%2Fvid3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy53%2FDUCHESS13%2FZaar%2520World%2520Tour%2520II%2520%2520Video%2520Files%2F276d5ad0.pbr&hostname=stream3.photobucket.com"> I love hosting the Beverage Forum! As a former bartender and bar owner I am right at home mixing and shaking it up. I love cooking with spirits and experimenting with new drinks and making liqueurs. Stop on by the Beverage Form and see what we are up to. <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/cherylban-1.jpg"> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewforum.zsp?f=1">Recipe Request Forum Host</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewforum.zsp?f=53">Beverages (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic)Forum Host</a></li> <a href="http://messenger.yahoo.com/edit/send/?.target=ncmysteryshopper"> <img border="0" src="http://opi.yahoo.com/yahooonline/u=ncmysteryshopper/m=g/t=8/l=us/opi.jpg"> </a> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Beverage%20Forum/officialmemberofthebevtaggame.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/utens1.gif"> I try to cook using only organic ingredients and fresh organic produce. Of course this is not always possible... but I do make the effort. I love experimenting with new cuisines and love fusion! I like most foods and most cuisines... Spices and Sauces are my forte! I am most known for cooking with all kinds of wine and liquor. I am always on the hunt for the perfect blend of flavors.... the dish whose first bite makes you put your fork down and relish the mouthful. Sushi, Spicy Foods, Mussels, Shrimp, Lobster, Stone Crabs, Artichokes, Traditional Thai Food, Middle Eastern, Moroccan, French, Mexican, Indian, Asian, Turkish, and the list goes on and on..... <a href="http://www.amazingcounter.com"><img border="0" src="http://c7.amazingcounters.com/counter.php?i=1582062&c=4746499" alt="web page hit counter"></a><a href="http://www.smartdiets.info/coupons/weight-watchers.html"></a> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/BarStarOnWireLine.gif"> Zaar Chefs that have passed away and live on forever in my heart! In loving memory of...... <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/185105"> Stacky5</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/86764">Redneck Epicurean</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/87023">Latchy</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/104600">Cool Monday</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/372295">Chef I Am</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/member/23302"> Mille® ™</a></li> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/BarStarOnWireLine.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/NotDS.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/World%20Tour/PartAwards.gif"> <img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg271/MrsTeny/ParticipationBanner.jpg"border="0" alt="Photobucket"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/DiningonaDollarParticipant.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/RSC%20Banners/RSC11-ncmysteryshopper.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/RSC%20Banners/RSC12-NcMysteryShopper.jpg"> <a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=177083 target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/RSC9Participant.jpg"></a><a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=177082 target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/RSCCheryl.jpg"></a> <a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=177077 target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/RSC8Partipation.jpg"></a><a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=177088 target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/RSC7Participant.jpg"></a><a href=http://www.recipezaar.com/cookbook.php?bookid=177085 target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/RSC6Participant.jpg"></a> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Animation1.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/4treasurehunt.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/FFF/completedbanner.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/FFF/Switzerland-FFF4.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Zaar%20World%20Tour%203/ladynusstortes.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/ZaarWorldTourPartBanner.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/World%20Tour/ZWT2.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Zaar%20World%20Tour%203/ZWT3-Participation.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Zaar%20World%20Tour%204/ZWTAB-tg.gif"> <img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/flower753/Food/my3chefsnov2008.jpg"> <img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e110/flower753/Food/my3chefs2008Small.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/MyThreeChefs.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PAC05.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PAC06-1.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/Pac06Fall.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PAC07-1.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PAC07Fall.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PACSpring2008.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/PACFall2008.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thMightyMaenadsMini.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thAnimatedPRDMini.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thSistasoftheTravellingPotsandPans.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/Zaar%20World%20Tour%203/whineandcheesegangSM.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/berriesblinkie.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thsinsweetstrawsisMini.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/thAnimationStellaMarisMini.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/HotEnchiladiies.gif" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/Photo_Video_577111733_orig.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/tablesetting.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/backtobasis.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/BBQPhoto.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/TapasMenu.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/BBQ.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/AnimatedHostChallengeBannerII-Stamp.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/ZWT-ChallengeHostBanner-Stamp.gif"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/ZWT4-ChallengeHostAboutMe-Small.gif"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/stacky5.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/Amy.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/cookathonLorac-1.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/StampRow1.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/StampRow2.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/StampRow3.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/stampRow4.jpg"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/homepage/StampKaffee.jpg"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/DUCHESS13/crockpot.jpg"> <a href="http://www.sparklee.com"><img src="http://img110.mytextgraphics.com/sparklee/2007/12/17/fb5cb0ed92b908750a9b76c86ea44dd5.gif" border="0" alt="free logo - http://www.sparklee.com" /></a><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/Jmx*PTExOTc5MTQ5MTE1NzgmcHQ9MTE5NzkxNDk*MDkzNyZwPTc*MzIxJmQ9Jm49.jpg" /> <a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=1927356"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/1927356.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a>
 
View Full Profile
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Find More Recipes