Mustard Greens Recipe: A Classic Southern Dish

Looking for a mustard greens recipe full of flavor and Southern tradition? Mustard greens bring a peppery kick to any meal, especially when braised with rich broth and crispy bacon. This dish has a special place in my heart, often served alongside cornbread and fried chicken at family dinners. Whether you’re new to mustard greens or perfecting a classic, this recipe will add a delicious twist to your table. Let’s dive in and make this Southern favorite a staple in your dinner routine!

What Are Mustard Greens?

Mustard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that belong to the Brassica family, which also includes kale, collard greens, and cabbage. These greens are known for their distinct, peppery flavor that’s both bold and slightly tangy. When cooked, they become tender and milder, making them a perfect addition to a variety of dishes. Mustard greens have a rich history in Southern cuisine, often featured in hearty stews, soups, and side dishes. They’re packed with nutrients too—high in vitamins A, C, and K, and rich in antioxidants, fiber, and calcium. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a new way to enjoy leafy greens, mustard greens are a flavorful and nutritious choice!

Are Mustard Greens Bitter?

One of the first things people often wonder about mustard greens is whether they’re bitter. The answer? Not really! While raw mustard greens can have a sharp, spicy flavor that some might describe as bitter, cooking them mellows out that bitterness significantly. In fact, the braising process, especially with a bit of sweetness added (like brown sugar), softens the flavor, making it much milder and more pleasant to taste. The vinegar and seasonings also help balance the flavor, cutting through any remaining sharpness. So, don’t worry if you’ve heard mustard greens are bitter—when cooked properly, they’re tender, flavorful, and far from overpowering.

How to Prepare Mustard Greens for Cooking

1. Wash the Greens: Rinse the mustard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Be sure to scrub them gently to get into all the nooks and crannies.
2. Remove the Stems: The stems can be tough and fibrous, so cut them out or simply tear the leaves from the stems.
3. Tear the Leaves: Tear the greens into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
4. Prep in Advance: If you’re prepping ahead of time, store the washed greens in a container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. This keeps them fresh and ready for cooking.

Now you’re all set to cook your mustard greens and bring them to the table!

How to Cook Mustard Greens Southern Style

Cooking mustard greens Southern-style is all about slow braising to develop deep, rich flavors. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking 5 strips of bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until they’re crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pot, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor to the dish.
4. Add the Greens and Seasonings: Add the prepared mustard greens to the pot along with 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything together.
5. Simmer and Stir: Cover the pot and simmer the greens for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally, using tongs to toss the greens so they cook evenly. The longer they cook, the more tender and flavorful they’ll become.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the greens are tender, crumble the crispy bacon and stir it back into the greens. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect Southern-style mustard greens!

Southern Style Mustard Greens

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

Tangy, slightly sweet, and seriously delicious Southern style mustard greens braised with cider vinegar and topped with crispy bacon. The perfect Southern side dish, and better than your favorite BBQ joint.

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds of mustard greens (approximately 2 large bunches), washed thoroughly*
• 5 strips of bacon, cut into 1 & 1/2 to 2-inch squares
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 Tablespoon Texas Pete hot sauce
• 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Remove the greens from the stems and tear into bite-sized pieces.
2. Wash greens thoroughly in a large bowl or in your salad spinner.*
3. Add the bacon to a large pot and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes to render the fat.
4. When the bacon is crispy, transfer it with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.
5. Add the diced onion to the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook onions for 5 to 7 minutes until soft and translucent. Be sure to stir occasionally.
6. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute or until it becomes aromatic.
7. Deglaze by adding the cider vinegar. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a heat-resistant rubber spatula to release all that flavor from cooking the bacon.
8. Keep the heat at medium low and add half of your greens (or as much as you can fit in your pot) and chicken stock. Cook them down until you can add the rest of the greens to the pot.
9. Add hot sauce, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and toss everything together with a pair of tongs.
10. Cover the pot and cook the greens over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, tossing occasionally. The greens should be soft and tender, but not mushy.
11. Transfer greens using a slotted spoon to a serving platter, top with your crispy bacon, and be transported right to the Great American South!

Notes

Mustard greens can be extremely gritty if they aren’t washed properly. You will need to wash the greens in batches and rinse several times to remove all the dirt and sand.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Sides
• Method: Braised
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: mustard greens, bacon, southern, side dish, braised greens

Mustard Greens Pairing Suggestions

Mustard greens are delicious on their own, but they really shine when paired with other Southern favorites. Here are some great ideas to serve alongside your greens:

1. Southern Cornbread: A classic pairing, cornbread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful broth of the mustard greens. Try serving it warm with a pat of butter on top for the ultimate comfort food experience.
2. Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken and tender mustard greens are a match made in Southern heaven. The crispy, savory chicken complements the greens’ tangy and spicy flavors.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a nice contrast to the bold flavor of mustard greens. They’re perfect for soaking up any extra seasoning or broth.
4. Rice: A simple bowl of white rice can help balance the strong flavors of the greens while soaking up all the tasty juices. You could also try serving the greens over rice for a filling meal.
5. Biscuits: Soft, fluffy biscuits are another Southern favorite that pairs wonderfully with mustard greens. Use them to scoop up the greens, or enjoy them on the side with a little honey or jam.

These pairings bring out the best in your mustard greens and make for a memorable meal!

The Health Benefits of this recipe

Not only are mustard greens delicious, but they’re also packed with health benefits! Here’s why you’ll want to add them to your regular menu:

1. Nutrient-Rich: Mustard greens are loaded with vitamins and minerals. They’re an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function, and vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and promotes skin health. They also provide a good amount of vitamin K, important for bone health.
2. Antioxidant Power: These greens are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. This can play a role in reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
3. High in Fiber: Mustard greens are high in dietary fiber, which is great for digestive health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and supports a healthy gut.
4. Calcium: For those who may not consume dairy, mustard greens are a fantastic plant-based source of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
5. Low in Calories: Mustard greens are low in calories but packed with nutrients, making them a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier or manage their weight.

Not only do mustard greens taste great, but they also pack a powerful nutritional punch. You can feel good about enjoying this flavorful side dish!

Mustard Greens in Southern Tradition

In Southern cuisine, mustard greens aren’t just a delicious side dish—they carry a lot of cultural significance. For many, these greens are a must-have at family gatherings, especially around the New Year. It’s a Southern tradition to serve mustard greens along with black-eyed peas and cornbread on New Year’s Day. The reason? It’s believed that mustard greens symbolize money and prosperity, while black-eyed peas bring good luck. The greens represent wealth in the coming year, making them a symbol of hope and fortune for families.

For me, cooking mustard greens is more than just following a recipe—it’s a way to connect with my Southern roots and keep traditions alive. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just a regular dinner, mustard greens carry a bit of history and good fortune with every bite.

If you’re planning to make this dish for New Year’s Day, consider adding some black-eyed peas and a batch of Southern cornbread to complete the meal. You’ll be bringing not only flavor to the table but also a touch of Southern tradition!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about cooking mustard greens, along with answers to help you make the most of your recipe:

One Last Bit of Fun: Greens Sandwiches & Traditions

As much as I love serving mustard greens alongside my favorite Southern dishes, I have a fun tradition that makes me smile every time. Growing up, we would often make greens sandwiches—just a couple of soft slices of bread with a generous scoop of tender mustard greens stuffed in between. Simple, but delicious! The combination of the warm, slightly tangy greens and soft bread is comfort food at its finest.

Now, I challenge you to give it a try! Whether you’re a fan of greens on a sandwich or just love hearing about quirky food traditions, I’d love to hear how you enjoy your mustard greens. Do you have any family traditions that involve greens, or do you prefer them served in a more traditional way? Feel free to share your fun food stories in the comments or on social media!

Related Recipes

If you’re enjoying this mustard greens recipe, you might also love these Southern-inspired dishes that pair perfectly with it!

1. Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes – Start your morning off right with these delicious and easy-to-make crescent roll breakfast ideas.
2. Breakfast Potatoes Recipe Easy Crispy – Crispy, golden-brown breakfast potatoes that are the perfect side to your Southern meal.
3. Breakfast Pizza Recipe Easy Cheesy – A fun, cheesy breakfast pizza to complement your mustard greens.

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