Cooking Collard Greens
Are you a bit puzzled when it comes to cooking collard greens? If so, this article should clear up most of the confusion.
This type of green is actually part of the cabbage family, though rather than grow in the shape of a cabbage it grows as a large stalk. Since the green itself can be rather bitter, it is best prepared with a bit of bacon or ham to give it a more pleasing taste. Cooking collard greens has been part of a soul food tradition for many centuries now, though they have just become popular thanks to a healthy food movement. The greens are full of great nutrients including lots of iron, and they are also a fantastic way to eat your veggies.
Since they are similar to many other types of green vegetables, they can be prepared in the same manner. You can steam them, broil, them or sauté them, though it may be wise to change the water numerous times if you plan to boil them. Really, no matter how you cook them, you can be sure that they will be a welcome addition to any great meal. The trick is to select ones that are green, fully of leaves, and rather large (skip those skinny brown types).
Once you have greens in hand, you can select any type of recipe you like for cooking collard greens. Some of the best recipes for this vegetable come from the south, though there are many other countries and cultures that enjoy them as well. Try and keep in mind that they are much better when they are young (older stalks can be tough), so attempt to scoop them up at the beginning of the season (you can usually find them at farmer’s markets during the middle of the summer).
Some people eat this vegetable all on its own, while others make a habit of adding it to any large family meal. Realistically, no matter how you make them they will please all that try them. For best results, try some of those recipes that include lots of butter, cream, and salt.
There is nothing complex about cooking collard greens, though a great recipe will help out a lot. Remember to select those that look the best when you are doing your weekly shopping in order to create fantastic results.