Bohemian Collards Recipes

QUICK COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• To prepare the collards: Cut out the thick center rib out of each collard green. Stack the rib-less greens and roll them up into a cigar-like shape. Slice over the "cigar" as thinly as possible (⅛″ to ¼″) to make long strands. Shake up the greens and give them a few chops so the strands aren't so long.
• Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add all of the collard greens and the salt.
• Stir until all of the greens are lightly coated in oil, then let them cook for about 30 seconds before stirring again. Continue stirring in 30-second intervals until the greens are wilted, dark green, and some are starting to turn browns on the edges (this is delicious). This will take between 3 to 6 minutes.
• Once the collards are just about done, add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to break up the garlic and cook until it's fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat.
• Immediately divide the cooked collards onto plates, and serve with a lemon wedge each.

COLLARDS

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Before the potatoes are finished, add the collards to the pot.
• Place bacon in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon to paper towels to drain, and saute the onion in bacon grease until tender. Drain onions of grease, and add to the greens. Crumble in the bacon, and stir in the wine vinegar. Simmer over low heat until greens are tender, about 1 hour.

SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Prepare the collard greens bath by filling your kitchen sink with cool water and adding vinegar and salt.
• Remove the collard greens from the steams by folding them in half lengthwise and pulling the leaf away from the stem. (discard the stem or see note below on how to cook them)
• Place the collard greens into the prepared water bath and swish them around several times, scrubbing them to help loosen up any dirt.
• Let the collard greens soak for 15-20 minutes, giving them a scrub midway. Drain the water and refill with plain water and allow the greens to soak again if needed. Repeat as many times as needed until the water is free from any dirt or grit. After the final soak, drain the water. Next, rinse and scrub each leaf front and back with cool water to ensure they are squeaky clean.
• Tear the greens into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
• In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onions and saute until tender.
• Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until garlic is fragrant.
• Pour in the broth and add the turkey leg. Bring to a boil.
• Add collard greens and reduce heat to a simmer.
• Cover and cook collard for 1 hour (or longer depending on your desired tenderness), stirring regularly.
• Once done, stir and then taste the broth and the greens. (add a little water if the broth is too bold for your liking)
• Stir in vinegar and smoked salt, and black pepper if desired.
• Serve collard greens with pieces of the smoked turkey leg and hot sauce if desired.

COLLARDS

Steps:

• Remove the tougher, woody stalks from the collard leaves. Smaller stems are okay. Wash the leaves and cut them into half-inch-wide strips. You can roll them into cigars to speed this up.
• Put the bacon in a stock pot on high head to render its grease, 3 or so minutes. Add the onion and cook until translucent but not brown, about 5 minutes more. Add the collards and cover with cool water. Add the red pepper, salt, and the ham bone. Bring to a boil and cook for at least 2 hours. There are many conflicting opinions on this. To my mind, collards were not made for quick cooking. Undercook collards and you are asking to be strangled; they can't be properly chewed. On the other hand, overcook them and they will eventually turn to mush. Two hours seems about right, although this might give nutritionists pause. Taste for salt.
• Even people who love collards complain about the way they make the house smell while cooking. People have different cures for this: Place four pecans in the pot. Cover the top of the collards with slices of white bread. None of this works.