Best Greens With Pot Liquor Recipes

POT OF GREENS

Steps:

• Trim away any tough stems, then wash the greens: Rinse each leaf separately. Put all of them in a sinkful of water and let stand for 5 minutes. Now, lift them out of the sink and drain away the water and all the grit that has settled to the bottom. Repeat the sink bath until you don't see any grit when you remove the leaves. Chop the onions and crush the garlic cloves. In a heavy pot large enough to hold all the greens, warm the oil over medium heat. Set aside about half of the onions and add the remainder along with the garlic to the pot. Saute until softened about 5 minutes. Add the greens, turn to coat in the oil, and then pour in the stock to cover. Bring to a boil and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the greens are tender. The timing will depend on what you are cooking; collards can take up to 40 minutes or so, while beet greens will cook in 1/2 that time. Transfer to a serving bowl. Pass the reserved onion and pepper vinegar at the table for sprinkling over the top.

BRAISED COLLARD GREENS

Steps:

• Put all ingredients in large stockpot with just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, and reduce heat to low.
• Simmer until greens are tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Serve greens with a slotted spoon, topping with a little of the pot liquor (the broth from the pot). The pot liquor may be used for dipping cornbread, or as a flavorful and highly nutritious soup.

POT LIQUOR (LIKKER) SOUP

Steps:

• Bring collard greens and water to cover to a boil in a large Dutch Oven. Remove from heat; drain. Repeat the process if you are boiling in batches.
• Toss together the ham and hot sauce; cook in hot oil in the Dutch Oven over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes or until browned (while the collards are draining). Add the onion and garlic; saute until tender.
• Stir in greens, potato, and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, stirring occasionally for 45 minutes.