Creamed Collard Greens

Name: Creamed Collard Greens
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 2 large bunches collard greens (about 1 1/2 pounds), center stems removed and leaves cut into 1/2" strips; 1 Kosher salt; 1 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; 1 1 cup 1/3" pieces (about 6 ounces) thick-cut smoked bacon; 1 Unsalted butter (if needed); 1 2 large shallots, finely chopped; 1 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika; 1 2 cups whole milk; 1 2 cups heavy cream; 1 Freshly ground black pepper

From the kitchen of Carly

Collard greens go luxe with a silky cream sauce spiked with crispy bacon and sweet paprika. Blanched until tender, then finished with a butter-flour roux that brings everything together into comfort food that actually feels elegant on the plate.

Prep: n/a
Cook: n/a
Total: n/a
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

4 servings

12 large bunches collard greens (about 1 1/2 pounds), center stems removed and leaves cut into 1/2" strips
1Kosher salt
12 teaspoons vegetable oil
11 cup 1/3" pieces (about 6 ounces) thick-cut smoked bacon
1Unsalted butter (if needed)
12 large shallots, finely chopped
13 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
12 cups whole milk
12 cups heavy cream
1Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Blanch greens in a large pot of boiling salted water until bright green and beginning to soften, 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl of ice water to cool. Squeeze dry.
Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until fat is rendered and bacon is crisp, 5-7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain; set aside.
Drain all but 3 tablespoons bacon drippings from pot, adding butter if needed to measure 3 tablespoons Add shallots; cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add flour and paprika; stir constantly for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and cream; bring to a boil, whisking often. Stir in greens; reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring often, until greens are tender and sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer creamed greens to a serving dish; garnish with reserved bacon.