Liberian Collard Greens Recipe

Liberian Collard Greens Recipe: Collard greens are a staple in Liberian cuisine, offering a rich and flavorful vegetable dish that’s perfect for any meal.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 bundles of fresh collard greens or 4 bundles of fresh cut greens
• 3 cups vegetable oil
• 6 hot peppers
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 Maggi cubes
• 1 tbsp seasoned salt
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• Water
• Assorted meat and seafood

Instructions

1. Preparation of Collard Greens:
   • For fresh collard greens, wash the greens in a large bowl with water and salt, repeating 2-3 times until the water is clear. Gather the leaves into a tight bunch and cut into thin strips with a knife or food processor.
   • For frozen collard greens, remove from the package and place in a large bowl to set aside.
2. Preparing Meat and Seafood:
   • On high heat, cleanse all meat and seafood. Add to a pot with seasoned salt, black pepper, onions, and water. Parboil for 25-30 minutes, then separate the meat and broth. Clean the pot and return it to the stove.
3. Cooking the Greens:
   • On high heat, add vegetable oil to the pot and then add the chopped onions, Maggi cubes, and hot peppers, stirring evenly.
   • Lower the heat and add the fresh cut collard greens to the pot, stirring evenly.
   • Add the broth to the greens for cooking, cover, and allow the greens to cook until softened. If the broth is insufficient, add some water. Cook until the broth is reduced, about 40-50 minutes.
4. Final Steps:
   • Once the broth has dried up, add tomato paste for extra flavor (optional).
   • Cook for an additional 10 minutes or less, then add the meat and seafood back into the pot. Stir and allow the greens to simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Serving:
   • Turn off the heat. The fried Liberian Collard Greens are now ready to be served with rice.

Additional Tips and Variations

1. Adjusting Spiciness:
   • The level of heat can be adjusted by altering the number of hot peppers. For a milder dish, use fewer peppers or substitute with a milder variety. For extra heat, consider adding more hot peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper.
2. Flavor Enhancements:
   • For a richer flavor, you can add smoked turkey or ham hocks to the meat and seafood mix. These will impart a smoky depth to the dish.
3. Vegetarian Version:
   • To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and seafood. You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.
   • Use vegetable broth instead of the meat broth to maintain the richness of the dish.
4. Serving Suggestions:
   • Liberian Collard Greens pair excellently with plain or jasmine rice. For a more traditional Liberian meal, serve with rice.
   • This dish also complements grilled meats or roasted chicken if you’re serving it as part of a larger meal.
5. Storage and Reheating:
   • Leftover collard greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of water if necessary to prevent sticking.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 1020mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 12g

Cooking Notes

• Ensure the collard greens are thoroughly washed to remove any grit or dirt. This step is crucial for a clean and enjoyable dish.
• If you prefer a softer texture for the greens, extend the cooking time slightly until they reach your desired level of tenderness.

With these tips and variations, you can customize the Liberian Collard Greens recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and hearty goodness of this traditional Liberian dish!

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