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Learn to lower collard greens plus the place to purchase them and find out 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 best way you chop you chop 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 way of find out 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 find out how to clear, lower, and prepare dinner this southern staple vegetable each in footage and a fast video!
Why are collard greens wholesome?
Collard greens are nutritious. They supply calcium, vitamin Okay, fiber, and many polyphenols which will contribute further well being advantages comparable to defending our physique’s cells from injury.
Collards are additionally versatile within the kitchen. I favor them as a aspect dish however have additionally added them to soups and stews. You possibly can blanch the leaves and use as a sandwich wrap or to steam fish inside. Although you should utilize collards for a salad, they’re greatest cooked for my part.
Collard greens are in season throughout the cooler months and style greatest in December and January. So, now could be the proper 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 massive bunches of collards with the extra mature leaves are additionally fantastic. Simply know that you simply’ll have to prepare dinner them longer and the cleansing and chopping course of generally is 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 coloration 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 major strategies. I favor the primary technique however the second may save a bit water.
Technique One
– Separate the bunch of collard greens into particular person leaves.
– Rinse every leaf fastidiously underneath cool operating water. Take care to rub away any soil or particles that 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 grime will settle to the underside of the bowl.
– Change the water a number of instances. You’ll know the greens are clear when the water is evident.
Whether or not you employ cool operating water or the soaking technique, you should definitely have a look at every leaf to verify there’s no clinging grime or particles. Due to the best way they develop, collard greens may be tough to wash. And consider me nobody needs gritty greens!
Play some music and take the time to wash your greens. Prep an additional bunch when you’re at it!
Storing contemporary greens
Prep forward: Clear a few collard bunches at a time. The clear, sliced and dry greens will hold 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 inserting 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 identical time you’re cleansing and chopping your Christmas greens.
Finest strategy 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 chopping board and chef’s knife.
Step One: Stack the leaves inserting the biggest ones on the underside of the pile. I’ve eliminated the stems however you possibly can hold the thinner stems in, for those who favor.
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 chopping board. Use the knife to slice by way of 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 measurement 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 Minimize Collard Greens
Step-by-step information to selecting, cleansing, chopping and storing collard greens.
Servings: 1 small bunch
Value: $2
Notes
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