Collard Greens with Bacon and Pinto Beans is a flavorful and hearty Southern dish that brings together tender collard greens, crispy bacon, and creamy pinto beans in a savory broth. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a comforting side dish or a main course. The addition of brown sugar and cider vinegar balances the savory elements, while the pinto beans provide a rich texture. A perfect dish to enjoy on its own or paired with cornbread and other comfort foods.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds collard greens

• 3 bacon strips, chopped

• 1 small red onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2-1/2 cups water

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Directions

1. Prepare the Collard Greens: Remove and discard the center ribs and stems from the collard greens. Cut the leaves into 1-inch pieces.

2. Cook the Bacon: In a Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp, stirring occasionally.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon and its drippings. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes, until the onion is softened.

4. Cook the Greens: Add the collard greens to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to wilt.

5. Simmer: Stir in the water, brown sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 55-65 minutes, or until the greens are tender.

6. Add the Beans: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the drained pinto beans.

7. Serve: Serve the collard greens with bacon and beans hot. It’s a perfect side or main dish!

Nutrients

• Calories: 145 kcal

• Fat: 5g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 7mg

• Sodium: 382mg

• Carbohydrates: 19g

• Sugar: 5g

• Fiber: 7g

• Protein: 7g

The Significance of Collard Greens in Southern Cuisine

Collard greens are an iconic vegetable in Southern cooking, revered for their ability to absorb flavors and their deep, earthy taste. These greens are often cooked for long periods, allowing them to become tender and soft while infusing the dish with their rich, leafy flavors. In many Southern households, collard greens are seen as a symbol of prosperity and good luck, especially when served with black-eyed peas or other beans, often on New Year’s Day. The high fiber content, vitamins, and minerals in collard greens make them a nutritious addition to any meal, providing significant health benefits. The greens are also a perfect canvas for absorbing the rich, smoky flavors from the bacon and the savory broth, making them a favorite ingredient in Southern cuisine.

Collard greens are typically prepared by removing the tough stems and ribs and cutting the leaves into smaller, more manageable pieces. This method ensures that the greens cook evenly and become tender during the simmering process. When paired with the other ingredients in this dish, the collard greens offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor, enhancing the overall experience of the meal.

The Role of Bacon: Adding Savory Depth

Bacon is an essential ingredient in this dish, contributing both flavor and texture. The crispy bacon bits provide a smoky, salty richness that perfectly complements the collard greens and beans. The rendered bacon fat also serves as a cooking base for sautéing the onion and garlic, imparting an additional layer of flavor that deepens the overall taste of the dish. As the bacon crisps up in the Dutch oven, it releases its natural oils, which infuse the dish with a savory base that enhances the flavor of the collard greens and beans. Bacon has long been a beloved ingredient in Southern cooking due to its ability to elevate simple dishes and bring a rich, satisfying flavor to the table. Whether used in the form of crispy bits or melted into the dish as a cooking fat, bacon plays a pivotal role in the success of this recipe.

Pinto Beans: Adding Creaminess and Protein

Pinto beans are the perfect complement to the collard greens and bacon, providing a creamy texture and hearty substance to the dish. As the beans simmer with the collard greens, they absorb the flavors of the broth, bacon, and seasonings, becoming tender and flavorful. Pinto beans are not only delicious but also highly nutritious, offering a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and potassium. The beans help to round out the dish, creating a balanced meal that is filling and satisfying. Their soft texture contrasts beautifully with the tender collard greens, making each bite a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

The pinto beans also help to absorb the tangy sweetness of the cider vinegar and brown sugar, adding a savory richness to the dish. The beans’ creamy texture serves as a perfect backdrop to the greens and bacon, making them an essential part of the dish. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side or a main dish that’s both filling and nutritious, pinto beans provide the perfect addition to this Southern classic.

The Balance of Sweet and Tangy: Brown Sugar and Cider Vinegar

One of the key elements that make Collard Greens with Bacon and Pinto Beans stand out is the balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The brown sugar and cider vinegar provide a delicious contrast to the savory elements in the dish, such as the bacon and collard greens. The brown sugar adds a gentle sweetness that enhances the natural flavors of the greens and beans, while the cider vinegar introduces a bright, tangy acidity that helps to cut through the richness of the bacon fat. This combination of sweet and tangy ingredients creates a perfect harmony of flavors, ensuring that the dish is not too heavy or overly salty.

Cider vinegar, in particular, is a common ingredient in Southern cooking, known for its ability to brighten up dishes and add a refreshing zing. When combined with the brown sugar, it creates a delicate balance that enhances the overall depth of the dish. The vinegar also helps to soften the greens during cooking, making them tender and flavorful. Together, the brown sugar and cider vinegar add complexity to the dish, ensuring that each bite is a balanced and flavorful experience.

Cooking Method: Slow Simmering for Tender Greens

The key to making perfect Collard Greens with Bacon and Pinto Beans lies in the slow simmering process. The collard greens are added to the pot and cooked slowly, allowing them to become tender and fully absorb the flavors from the bacon, onions, and seasonings. This method of slow cooking ensures that the greens are infused with the savory broth, taking on a deep, earthy flavor while maintaining their texture. The long simmering time also allows the pinto beans to soften and become creamy, melding with the broth to create a rich and flavorful base. The dish requires minimal hands-on preparation, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal. The slow simmering process also allows the flavors to deepen and develop, ensuring that the dish is as rich and flavorful as possible.

Serving Suggestions: A Comforting Meal on Its Own

Collard Greens with Bacon and Pinto Beans can be served as either a hearty side dish or as a main course. When served as a side, it pairs beautifully with a variety of Southern dishes, such as fried chicken, cornbread, or roasted meats. The creamy beans and tender greens complement rich, savory proteins, making it a perfect accompaniment to any Southern-style meal. For a complete meal, Collard Greens with Bacon and Pinto Beans can be served with a side of cornbread, allowing you to soak up the flavorful broth and add a satisfying starch to the plate.

This dish can also stand on its own as a main course, particularly for those looking for a hearty, vegetarian meal. The combination of collard greens, bacon, and pinto beans provides a well-rounded meal that is filling and satisfying, offering plenty of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Whether enjoyed as a side or as a main dish, Collard Greens with Bacon and Pinto Beans is a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Collard Greens with Bacon and Pinto Beans is a classic Southern dish that combines tender greens, creamy beans, and savory bacon in a flavorful, slow-simmered broth. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes this dish a standout, while the combination of textures—from the soft, tender greens to the creamy beans and crispy bacon—adds richness and depth. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether as a comforting side dish or a main course. The addition of brown sugar and cider vinegar adds a unique twist, balancing out the savory elements and ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy meal at home, Collard Greens with Bacon and Pinto Beans is a dish that is sure to deliver.