Ah, collard greens. They’re like a warm hug on a chilly day, especially when they’re kissed with jerk seasoning—an unexpected twist that dances on your taste buds. I once tried them at a small food festival last summer, and the memory lingers like a favorite song. This recipe, a delectable homage to that unforgettable moment, promises to spice up any dinner spread with its hearty, savory embrace.
Steps
- Slice a yellow onion and mince a clove of garlic. Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the onion and garlic until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add two teaspoons of jerk seasoning to the pot, followed by half a cup of orange juice and three cups of chicken broth. Stir the mixture to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
- Incorporate one pound of chopped collard greens into the pot. If you are using fresh collard greens, wash them thoroughly, remove the stems, and chop them into strips before adding.
- Cover the pot with a lid and increase the heat to medium-high to bring the broth to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the greens simmer, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired tenderness, about 30 minutes.
- Serve the collard greens hot, using a slotted spoon to drain away the excess broth before plating.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 2 teaspoons jerk seasoning
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound chopped collard greens
Nutritional Values
Calories: 414.52 kcal | Carbohydrates: 59.44 g | Protein: 19.68 g | Fat: 17.2 g | Sodium: 3083.52 mg | Fiber: 21.2 g
FAQ
- What is Jerk Seasoning?
- Jerk seasoning is a vibrant blend of spices and herbs that offers a spicy, sweet, and savory taste, commonly used in Jamaican cuisine. It typically includes ingredients like Scotch Bonnet peppers, onions, ginger, scallions, allspice, garlic, and thyme, among others. This seasoning brings a rich flavor to meats and vegetables when cooked over an open flame.
- Where can I purchase Jerk Seasoning?
- You can find jerk seasoning in most major supermarkets in either a wet marinade form or as a dry spice blend. The dry spice mix is used in this recipe. Brands like Walkerswood offer authentic Jamaican versions and are available online, including Amazon, and at large grocery chains like Kroger.
- What dishes pair well with Jerk Seasoned Collard Greens?
- These collard greens have a sweet, savory, and spicy flavor that pairs excellently with various dishes. They are particularly enjoyable with mac and cheese, BBQ chicken, potato salad, cornbread, BBQ meatballs with cheese grits, or even red beans and rice.
- How should I store leftover collard greens?
- Store leftover collard greens with the broth in which they were cooked to retain their flavor. They can be reheated in a saucepan over medium heat or microwaved until hot. Use a slotted spoon to serve the greens, allowing the broth to drain.
Tips
- Choose Pre-Washed Greens: If possible, opt for pre-washed and chopped collard greens to save time. If you’re preparing them yourself, ensure you wash them thoroughly, remove the stems, and chop them into strips.
- Enhance Flavor with Broth: Use chicken broth as the base for simmering the greens to add depth of flavor. Remember to keep the lid on the pot to retain moisture and flavor while simmering.
- Balance the Spice: Incorporate orange juice along with jerk seasoning to balance the spiciness with a hint of sweetness. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
- Store with Broth for Best Results: Keep any leftover collard greens in the refrigerator with the broth to allow the flavors to develop further. Reheat with the broth for a more flavorful experience.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Chef’s Knife
- White Cutting Boards
