Braised Mustard Greens
Tender mustard greens slow-braised with smoky bacon and a hint of spice. This classic Southern side dish is packed with soulful flavor and is the perfect comfort food accompaniment to any meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Clean and Prepare the Greens (10 minutes)
- b.Fill a clean sink or a very large bowl with cold water. Submerge the mustard greens and swish them around vigorously to dislodge any grit.
- c.Lift the greens out of the water (leaving the grit behind), drain the sink, and repeat the process 2-3 times until the water is completely clear.
- d.Remove the tough, thick stems from the center of each leaf. Stack several leaves at a time, roll them up, and slice them into 1-inch wide ribbons.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Render Bacon and Sauté Aromatics (15 minutes)
- b.Place the chopped bacon in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- c.Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the fat has rendered.
- d.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pot.
- e.Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent.
- f.Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Wilt the Greens (5 minutes)
- b.Add the chopped mustard greens to the pot in large handfuls. It will seem like too much, but they will wilt down significantly.
- c.Stir after each addition until all the greens have been added and are just beginning to wilt.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Braise to Tenderness (30 minutes)
- b.Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar. Stir in the brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- c.Return the cooked bacon to the pot and stir everything to combine.
- d.Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the greens braise for at least 30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for extra tender greens. Stir occasionally.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Final Seasoning and Serving (5 minutes)
- b.After braising, taste the greens and the 'potlikker' (the broth).
- c.Adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want more salt for savoriness, a splash of vinegar for brightness, or a pinch of sugar to balance any bitterness.
- d.Serve hot, ensuring each portion gets some of the delicious potlikker.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Washing greens thoroughly is the most important step. Grit can hide in the leaves, so rinse them multiple times.
- 2Don't be alarmed by the large volume of raw greens; they will cook down significantly.
- 3For a deeper flavor, use a smoked ham hock or smoked turkey leg instead of bacon. Simmer it with the greens for the entire cooking time.
- 4The flavor of braised greens improves as they sit. They are often even better the next day.
- 5Serve with a side of cornbread to soak up the delicious potlikker (the flavorful broth at the bottom of the pot).
- 6If you find mustard greens too peppery, you can blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute before braising to mellow their flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the bacon. Sauté the onions in 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegan butter. Use vegetable broth and add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Extra SmokyExtra Smoky
Instead of bacon, add a smoked ham hock or a smoked turkey wing to the pot along with the broth. Simmer for the full duration and remove the meat from the bone to serve with the greens.
Spicier GreensSpicier Greens
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, or add one finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the garlic.
Mixed GreensMixed Greens
Use a combination of mustard greens, collard greens, and turnip greens for a more complex flavor and texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Vitamin K
Mustard greens are one of the best dietary sources of Vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and plays a key role in bone health by helping the body use calcium.
Rich in Antioxidants
Loaded with antioxidants like beta-carotene, lutein, and Vitamin C, mustard greens help protect your body from damage by free radicals, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Supports Immune Function
The high Vitamin C content in mustard greens helps to bolster the immune system, supporting the body's ability to fight off infections and illnesses.
High in Dietary Fiber
This dish provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements and supporting a healthy gut microbiome.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of these Braised Mustard Greens contains approximately 160-190 calories, with most of the calories coming from the bacon and its rendered fat.