Collard is a group of loose-leafed cultivars of Brassica oleracea, the same species as many common vegetables including cabbage and broccoli. The name "collard" comes from the word "colewort" (a medieval term for non-heading brassica crops). They are available year-round, but are tastier and more nutritious in the cold months, after the first frost. 

Some flavors that pair well with Collard Greens include: bacon, yellow onions, salt, salt pork, black-eyed peas, garlic, and mustard seeds

Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, vitamin K, and a good source of potassium and magnesium. Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition 

Methods of Preparation

Recipes

Simple and Fresh Collard Greens

Total time: 13 min          Servings: 4          Source: https://www.food.com/recipe/simple-and-fresh-collard-greens-285447

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup collard greens, chopped
• ▢ ½ garlic clove, minced (optional)
• ▢ nonstick cooking spray or 1 teaspoon oil
• ▢ salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. Chop collards into 1 inch strips that are no more than 4-5 inches long
2. Rinse your greens (This is an important step! The water that stays on helps these cook to perfection)
3. (Optional) If adding garlic, mince with clean knife and cutting board
4. Heat your skillet to medium and spray or add oil, and garlic if wanted. Then add your greens (these will shrink down a lot so you can do it in a small pan) and stir just until all greens have just turned bright green, usually not longer than 3~ minutes
5. Turn up to medium-hot and fry for 30 more seconds or until greens are just tender
6. Toss with salt and pepper to taste (for this amount I usually use about 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper). 
7. Serve with your favorite entree or enjoy alone :)!

Southern-Style Collard Greens

Total time: 15 minutes     Serving size: 1-2     Source: https://cookanyday.com/products/anyday-collard-greens-microwave?srsltid=AfmBOoqLfD7zwqH8QAh0xDWXpDOYll8TpfZvd7IuDrbnuFqQb8YHVaPx

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 strip thin-cut bacon, cut into small pieces
• ▢ ½ bunch of collard greens, stalks removed and cut into ribbons (about 75-100g)
• ▢ ½ cup (120mL) chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water
• ▢ 1 ½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or any vinegar you have) 
• ▢ Salt, Black pepper, and Hot sauce to taste

Directions

1. Spread the bacon in an even layer in the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted)
2. Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the bacon begins to brown
3. Pack the rinsed collards tightly into the Anyday dish and then add salt, pepper, and chicken stock (or water). It will be a tight fit, but they will reduce in volume as they cook
4. Cover and continue cooking for 9 minutes, or until the collards are tender, stirring halfway. Toss in the apple cider vinegar and a few dashes of hot sauce to taste and enjoy

Serving suggestions & tips

• Keep it vegetarian by substituting the bacon for chopped onion.Try using pancetta instead of bacon

Recipe Notes

• This recipe tastes better when reheated. Make ahead of time and enjoy later in the week
• Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed. Check your wattage to understand how long to heat for

Garlic Sauteed Collard Greens

Total time: 30 minutes          Servings: 4      Source: https://yupitsvegan.com/sauteed-collard-greens/

Ingredients:

• ▢ 1 bunch of collard greens (16 oz) washed, destemmed and cut into strips
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 4 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ ¼ tsp salt and more to taste
• ▢ ¼ tsp paprika
• ▢ ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ▢ ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes 
• ▢ 1 tbsp of mirin or apple cider vinegar

Directions: 

1. Warm the olive oil in a wide skillet. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 90 seconds. Add the spices (salt through red pepper flakes), stir, and cook for 30 seconds more until toasted.
2. Stir in the collard greens, stirring well to coat with the spices, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until softened and reduced in size by about half. Add the mirin or other liquid, stir in well, and quickly cover the pan with a lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let steam, covered, for about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the lid and stir well. If needed, continue cooking until desired softness is reached. Serve warm.