Pan-Fried Collard Greens
Collard greens are a mainstay of Liberian cuisine, brought to the country from the United States by formerly enslaved Africans. Here is a classic Liberian preparation that’s spicy with habaneros (Liberia is known for being the “Pepper Coast” of Africa), and rich with the flavors of ham, turkey and chicken. Each meat brings a distinct taste, creating the base for a gravy that you’ll want to spoon over rice. This is one of those vegetable dishes that’s hearty enough to be a main, whether it’s for Thanksgiving — which is celebrated in Liberia with foods like this one — or any other gathering.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 2pounds collard greens, stems removed
- 1tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- 1tablespoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
- 1pound smoked Cajun or regular turkey, preferably neck or wings, cut up
- 1pound ham hock, sliced (see Tip)
- 2large yellow onions, coarsely chopped
- 1to 2 habanero peppers, stemmed and halved
- 6cups unsalted chicken broth, store-bought or homemade
- 1tablespoon chicken seasoning base, such as Knorr or Better Than Bouillon
- 1tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1chicken-flavored bouillon seasoning cube, such as Maggi (optional)
- 4ounces dried barracuda or other fish (optional), rinsed, skin removed and broken into chunks
- ½cup olive oil
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
Step 1
Wash collard greens in a bowl full of water with vinegar and salt. Drain and repeat if needed, until the water is clear. Roll the leaves up into tight bunches and cut into thin strips. Set aside.Step 2
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high, and add turkey and ham hock. Boil for 10 minutes, and then rinse and dry the meat. Clean out the pot.Step 3
In a blender or food processor, purée onions and peppers. Return the pot to high heat, and add turkey, ham hock, about three-quarters of the onion and pepper purée, along with broth, chicken seasoning, seasoned salt and Maggi cube if using. Bring to a boil, and cook until the liquid is reduced to 1 cup, about 40 minutes. Add the dried fish, if using.Step 4
Meanwhile, in a large pan, heat oil over medium. Add remaining onion and pepper purée, along with collard greens. Cover and cook, stirring frequently, until greens are wilted and tender, about 30 minutes.Step 5
Once stock is reduced, lower heat to medium, add cooked greens and cook, stirring well, for 5 to 10 minutes to incorporate flavors and thicken the broth. Serve with rice.