Low-Carb • Keto-Friendly • 4 Servings
Tender collard greens slowly simmered with smoky bacon, sautéed onions, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. A simple Southern-inspired side dish packed with flavor and naturally low in carbohydrates.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30–40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh collard greens, washed and chopped
- 4–5 ounces chunky smoked bacon, cut into pieces
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½–2 cups chicken or Beef Broth
- 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the greens: Wash collard greens thoroughly. Remove the tough lower stems if desired and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the bacon: Add bacon pieces to a large pot over medium heat. Cook until the fat renders and the bacon begins to brown.
- Sauté the onions: Add diced onion to the bacon and drippings. Cook until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add collard greens: Add chopped collard greens in handfuls, stirring as they begin to wilt.
- Add broth: Pour in chicken broth, adding enough to partially cover the greens.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for approximately 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens reach your desired tenderness.
- Finish with vinegar: Stir in apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the greens into a serving dish and include some of the flavorful cooking liquid, known as pot liquor.
Serving Ideas
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak.
- Pair with smoked sausage or pork chops.
- Enjoy as a flavorful low-carb Southern side dish.
- Save the pot liquor to sip as a savory broth or spoon over your greens.
Notes
- For softer, more tender greens, simmer a little longer.
- Apple cider vinegar adds a wonderful brightness and balances the smoky bacon flavor.
- Don’t discard the pot liquor! It contains wonderful smoky flavor and nutrients from the greens.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar to your personal taste.
Estimated Nutrition Information
Per Serving 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 63
- Protein: 6g
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber 3g
- Net Carbs: 7g
- Fat: 8.8g
- Calcium: 266
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on bacon, broth, and ingredient brands used.