She Strengthens

Southern Fusion: A Twist on Traditional Collard Greens

A Family Affair

Growing up in the South, I have fond memories of my grandmother and father preparing collard greens in their own unique ways. My grandmother would add a touch of sugar to her recipe, while my father would spice things up with hot peppers and serve them with raw onions. Both methods resulted in delicious dishes that left a lasting impression.

The Inspiration Behind Collard Green Egg Rolls

What happens when you combine the Southern staple of collard greens with the crispy, savory goodness of Chinese egg rolls? You get a game-changing snack that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. This innovative recipe is a testament to the power of culinary fusion.

Get Ready to Roll

To make these mouthwatering treats, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 16-ounce bag of frozen collard greens
• 8 ounces of chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic, crushed red pepper, onion powder, and kosher salt (hold the salt until the greens are cooked)
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 strips of thick-cut, nitrate-free bacon, roughly chopped
• Egg roll wrappers

Cooking the Collard Greens

In a cast-iron pot, fry the bacon until crispy, then remove it from the pan. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Next, add the collard greens, seasonings, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about an hour, or until the greens are tender. Let them cool, drain, and add the salt and crispy bacon. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Frying the Egg Rolls

In a 12-inch frying pan, add enough oil to fill the pan halfway. Heat the oil to around 315-325°F (I recommend using safflower oil instead of olive oil). Roll out the egg rolls and fry them until golden brown, turning constantly for about 12 minutes. This recipe yields 10 delicious egg rolls.

The Result

These collard green egg rolls are a true Southern-Chinese fusion masterpiece. With their crispy exterior and flavorful, slightly spicy filling, they’re sure to become a new favorite snack. So go ahead, give them a try, and experience the magic of culinary innovation!