Sweet & Spicy Steam-Fried Collard Greens

In a departure from typical Southern-style all-day stewed greens, these collards are sautéed first with a small amount of fat and then steamed, meaning tender-crisp healthy greens on the table in under a half hour.

Prep/Cook Time: 25 Minutes, Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds collard greens, stemmed
• 4 teaspoons bacon fat or extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup water
• 2 small cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions

1. Wash collard greens. Stack 5 or 6 leaves at a time and roll tightly from the long side to create a long, cigarlike cylinder. Slice crosswise into ¼-inch-thick ribbons.
2. Heat 2 teaspoons bacon fat (or oil) in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the collards and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining 2 teaspoons bacon fat (or oil), collards and ¼ teaspoon salt.
3. Return the first batch of collards to the pan. Add water, garlic, brown sugar, crushed red pepper and nutmeg. Cook, stirring, until the collards are very tender, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving: 68 Calories, Total Fat: 4 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Carbohydrates: 7 g, Fiber: 4 g, Total Sugars: 3 g, Added Sugars: 2 g, Protein: 3 g, Sodium: 214 mg, Potassium: 194 mg, Phosphorus: 24 mg, Iron: 0 mg, Folate: 112 mcg, Calcium: 204 mg, Vitamin A: 4357 IU, Vitamin C: 31 mg, Vitamin D: 3 IU

© Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission.