Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew Recipe

Introduction

Craving a hearty, soulful dish that delivers comfort with every bite? This Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew brings together the tender earthiness of potatoes and the robust, peppery bite of collard greens, all simmered gently in well-seasoned broth. It’s a true Southern classic, beloved for its bold flavors, nourishing ingredients, and satisfying texture—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and anyone in need of feel-good food.

Why Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew Is a Must-Make

Few recipes can warm you up like a bowl of collard green and potato stew. The greens soak up the smokiness of the spice blend, while silky potatoes make each spoonful satisfying. This stew is not just a celebration of down-to-earth ingredients; it’s the go-to dish when you need something filling, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing—yet fiendishly simple to prepare.

Essential Preparation Tips

Start by prepping your vegetables for optimal flavor and texture. To make quick work of dicing potatoes and chopping onions, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper keeps everything uniform and ensures even cooking. Wash collard greens thoroughly and remove tough stems for a more tender stew.

For depth of flavor, sauté aromatics before adding the greens and potatoes. If you choose to add protein, smoked sausage, ham hocks, or bacon are time-honored options.

Building Deep, Rich Flavors

The magic of this stew is layering flavors. Sauté onion, garlic, and optional smoked meat in olive oil until fragrant. Add your potatoes and toss for a few minutes. The potatoes will absorb the aromatic foundation, creating a luxurious base for the broth and greens.

Collard greens should be added last, as they wilt quickly. Add them in batches if your pot is full—they’ll cook down into the fragrant broth, enriching the stew with vitamins and minerals.

A SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch is a great tool for browning your aromatics or sausage before transferring everything to your stew pot.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Collard green and potato stew shines when served piping hot, perhaps alongside a slice of cornbread or over a bed of fluffy rice. For meals on the go or office lunches, transfer your portions into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl to keep individual servings fresh and portable.

Leftovers keep beautifully—store them in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) for up to four days in the refrigerator or freeze for long-term storage.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

With copious greens, hearty potatoes, and aromatic herbs, each serving (about 1½ cups) is packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and a modest calorie count—usually around 220 calories, depending on added protein. The stew is naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for vegan diets by omitting meat.

Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew (Recap)

This stew offers everything you want: comforting flavor, deep nutrition, easy prep, and proven appeal for gatherings or weeknight feasts. Whether served solo, with rice, or alongside cornbread, it’s comfort food at its best.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and smoked sausage (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes more, until aromatic.
2. Add the diced potatoes and continue sautéing for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally for even browning.
3. Transfer contents to a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the potatoes begin to soften.
5. Add chopped collard greens in batches, allowing each addition to wilt before adding more.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender and collards are silky.
7. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add hot sauce if desired. Serve hot.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

This recipe is easy to personalize: swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or add your favorite beans for extra protein. No matter the tweaks, it remains a pillar of Southern comfort food, ready to wow at any table.