One dish that’s always going to be at our table, no matter the holiday, is collard greens. Growing up they were a staple at Sunday dinner, so I had watched my grandma make them countless times. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized she never used recipe cards for this dish (or really any); everything was by memory. And I honestly didn’t realize just how hard that would be for me until I followed her around the kitchen one day, writing it all down!! I did my best to jot down notes and measurements, here and there, asking so many questions that all I ended up doing was really annoying her lol!
Since my trip to Ghana in 2023, I’ve been piecing together the direct connection between traditions of West Africa and the ones I grew up with in Charleston. While there I not only saw how collards were a staple in the cuisine there, but how similarly they were prepared to the dish I knew back home in America. This only further showcased my connection to that homeland and was a reminder of why my grandma used her memory to make greens. Our ancestors brought that knowledge and that style of cooking over with them to the Americas. And even when families were pulled apart, names were changed, and every bit of being African was shamed… their memories held on to home and recipes that came from it. So now, making collard greens for my family (especially my toddler) feels like a little bridge to that history— like I’m carrying on a tradition that represents resilience and strength.
I’m still perfecting my version of the recipe. I won’t lie— it’s not 1000% like my grandma’s yet, but if you’re looking for a place to start without any notes from your own grandmother’s memory… here’s what I have:
If you (or your grandma) makes this for your family, I’d love to hear your versions of it below! What else do you include that I’m missing???
And if you’ve never ever tried making greens before, then I challenge you to make a pot this holiday season!!! Even if just a small pot for yourself to remember home fondly!
If this is your first time, I’ve put together a little list of items I use when making this (or any other family) recipe! Rather it makes things easier or just more beautiful, these items are sure to be used repeatedly between now and the end of the year:
