How To Cut Collard Greens

Collard greens have long been a staple in Southern cooking and various cuisines worldwide. These leafy greens demand careful preparation for the best culinary results. I’ll share essential tips on preparing collard greens, focusing on cutting techniques that can elevate your kitchen skills.

How to clean and prepare collard greens

Before tackling chopping these leafy greens, ensuring they’re thoroughly washed and dried is essential. This preliminary step is crucial for meal prep basics.

A few key kitchen essentials are necessary. 

• A sharp chef’s knife will serve you well.
• Don’t overlook the importance of a sturdy cutting board. Wood or plastic options are both great.
• Kitchen shears can also be a game-changer for quickly snipping away tough stems.

How to clean and cut collard greens

• First, ensure each leaf undergoes a thorough wash. Dirt and grit, hidden in the crevices of these vibrant leaves, require a gentle yet firm scrub.
• Then, with the greens cleaned, meticulously remove the tough stems.

How should you cut your collard greens?

Here are 3 methods for how to cut collard greens by hand.

1. Gently fold each leaf in half along the stem, then use a sharp knife to slice the tough, central stem away, then cut the individual leaf into strips.
2. Stack the leaves, rolling a stack of de-stemmed greens tightly like a cigar. This method prepares them for uniform chopping by cutting them into thin ribbons.
3. For broader pieces, suitable for rustic dishes, simply use the rolled leaves method, but cut crosswise into larger chunks.

What is the best way to cut collard greens?

You can chop the leaves in half through the midline, and then into bite-sized pieces. But the easiest way to chop collard greens is to use the steps I learned from my mom, listed below.

How to cut collard greens Southern-style

1. Stack several leaves on top of each other.
2. Then, cut off the stems.
3. Next, roll them up lengthwise.
4. Using a knife, cut the rolls of collard greens into ribbon strips.

These prep steps, simple but crucial, set the stage for a dish that’s a staple in Southern soul food cuisine, transforming fresh collard greens into the perfect savory soulful dish for any traditional soul food Sunday or Southern dinner feast!

Safety tips for how to cut collard greens

Ensure your cutting board remains stable. A slippery surface can lead to mishaps. Sharpening your knife not only eases the task but reduces the risk of slipping. Remember, a keen blade is a safe one. And focus during chopping. Distractions often lead to cuts.

Below is my best recipe for collard greens.

So, how will you choose to cut your collard greens? 

The choice is yours! Folding, stacking, rolling, or coarsely cutting.

Have you had it?

Would you make it? 

Comment below and lemme know. 

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