Esau's Collard Greens

2 Reviews
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Makes 10 to 12 servings
January 2003
RECIPE BY Southern Living

At the restaurant, Esau takes almost two days to make the stock and cook these greens. He adapted this recipe for busy home cooks. For tips on preparing greens, see "From Our Kitchen" on page 128.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound hickory-smoked bacon, finely chopped
  • 3 medium-size sweet onions, finely chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 4 (32-ounce) containers chicken broth
  • 5 pounds fresh collard greens, washed, trimmed, and cut into strips
  • 1 pound smoked ham, chopped, or 1 ham bone with meat
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons celery seeds
  • 4 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Garnish: duck cracklings or pork rinds

How to Make It

Step 1

Cook bacon in a 9-quart stockpot 10 to 12 minutes or until semicrisp. Add onions, and sauté 5 minutes; add garlic, and sauté 1 minute.

Step 2

Stir in broth, greens, and remaining ingredients. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 2 hours or until greens are tender. Garnish, if desired.

Step 3

Note: Esau occasionally adds beer or dark ale to the recipe near the end of cooking and simmers until the extra liquid is reduced.

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Ratings & Reviews

jaguar28's Review

jaguar28
November 30, 2014
Bought fresh collards from Boone Hall Plantation and followed recipe to a tee- was a definite hit at thanksgiving dinner. Will definitely make again for many Sunday dinners.

GinaCanCook's Review

GinaCanCook
December 31, 2008
This is a top notch recipe for collard greens. I have made it several times for my family and they always ask for more. Absolutely delicious and has quickly become a family favorite. I serve it several times a year, but always on New Year's Day with Esau's Hoppin' John recipe and Ham. Old Southern wive's tail passed down from my grandmother says that this is the GOOD LUCK meal for the new year. Happy 2009 to everyone!