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Learn to lower collard greens plus the place to purchase them and tips on how to choose, clear, and retailer contemporary collard greens on this information. Additionally, uncover the numerous causes and methods to eat them.
Collard greens are a staple in soul meals and in southern cooking. This hardy, nutritious inexperienced can take a while to wash and lower them earlier than cooking. Plus, the way in which you narrow you narrow your collards – how thick or skinny – impacts prepare dinner time.
The time it takes is value each second. I’m going to stroll you step-by-step by tips on how to prep and lower collard greens to make vegan collard greens, these simple honey cider collards, a wholesome weeknight aspect dish or so as to add to soup or stew.
You’ll see precisely tips on how to clear, lower, and prepare dinner this southern staple vegetable each in photos and a fast video!
Why are collard greens wholesome?
Collard greens are nutritious. They supply calcium, vitamin Okay, fiber, and plenty of polyphenols which will contribute extra well being advantages reminiscent of defending our physique’s cells from harm.
Collards are additionally versatile within the kitchen. I choose them as a aspect dish however have additionally added them to soups and stews. You’ll be able to blanch the leaves and use as a sandwich wrap or to steam fish inside. Although you need to use collards for a salad, they’re finest cooked in my view.
Collard greens are in season throughout the cooler months and style finest in December and January. So, now’s the right time to seize a bunch of those wholesome winter greens.
The place to purchase collards
Collard greens are plentiful within the winter. I search for small bunches of younger collard greens that are extra tender and take much less time to prepare dinner. The large bunches of collards with the extra mature leaves are additionally wonderful. Simply know that you simply’ll must prepare dinner them longer and the cleansing and reducing course of could be a bit extra cumbersome.
I like to recommend contemporary greens for many recipes and keep away from pre-cut bagged ones since these have a tendency be harder in texture.
Select collard greens which are a darkish inexperienced colour with no limp, cracking, or yellowing leaves. The leaves and stems ought to really feel supple and agency not wilting, splitting or dry.
You may also purchase frozen collard greens on the grocery store. These are good for tossing into soup, stew, stir-fry, one-pot rice dishes, or smoothies.
Cleansing collard greens
This may take a while. And there are two important strategies. I choose the primary methodology however the second would possibly save just a little water.
Technique One
– Separate the bunch of collard greens into particular person leaves.
– Rinse every leaf fastidiously below cool working water. Take care to rub away any soil or particles which may acquire on the leaf and particularly across the stem on the entrance and bottom. As soon as clear, put aside to arrange to slice.
Technique Two
– Swish and soak the greens in a big bowl of cool water (or a sanitized sink). The filth will settle to the underside of the bowl.
– Change the water a number of occasions. You’ll know the greens are clear when the water is evident.
Whether or not you employ cool working water or the soaking methodology, you should definitely have a look at every leaf to verify there’s no clinging filth or particles. Due to the way in which they develop, collard greens may be tough to wash. And imagine me nobody needs gritty greens!
Play some music and take the time to wash your greens. Prep an additional bunch whilst you’re at it!
Storing contemporary greens
Prep forward: Clear a few collard bunches at a time. The clear, sliced and dry greens will preserve for per week or longer within the fridge.
In case your greens are moist. Use a salad spinner to take away any clinging moisture earlier than putting in an hermetic bag or container and into the fridge.
TIP: Prep your New Yr’s Day collard greens the week earlier than on the similar time you’re cleansing and reducing your Christmas greens.
Finest approach to retailer greens
Contemporary, unwashed collard greens will final a couple of week within the fridge. The secret’s ensuring the greens are dry. So wash them proper earlier than you’re able to prepare dinner them.
You may also put together the greens this manner. Wash, lower, and spin the greens dry. Retailer in a plastic bag with a paper towel to soak up any lingering water.
As soon as the greens are cooked, eat them inside 1-2 days.
Chopping collard greens step-by-step
As soon as your greens are clear, it’s time to chop them. Whereas a paring knife can work for essentially the most expert cooks, I take advantage of a reducing board and chef’s knife.
Step One: Stack the leaves putting the most important ones on the underside of the pile. I’ve eliminated the stems however you possibly can preserve the thinner stems in, should you choose.
Step 2: Roll the greens into a decent roll, being cautious to tuck all leaves inside. The ultimate roll ought to appear like a fats cigar.
Step 3: Maintain the roll firmly towards the reducing board. Use the knife to slice by the collards creating skinny strips.
For uniform cooking, slice your greens into evenly-sized ribbons.
Use your sliced greens in your favourite collard recipes. This dimension slice is ideal for a fast saute. Use thicker slices for longer cooking recipes.
Use your collard greens for a fast aspect dish recipe or conventional braised collard greens and extra!
Find out how to Reduce Collard Greens
Step-by-step information to choosing, cleansing, reducing and storing collard greens.
Servings: 1 small bunch
Value: $2
Notes
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