Collard Green Rice

Collard Green Rice is a hearty, savory dish that combines cooked rice with tender, chopped collard greens, often seasoned with smoked meats like ham hocks or bacon, onions, and garlic. It is a staple of Southern American cuisine, particularly within African American culinary traditions, where it evolved as a way to create a filling, nutritious meal from simple, affordable ingredients.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily a carbohydrate source from the rice, but it is significantly boosted in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like calcium and iron from the collard greens. A typical serving can range from 300 to 450 calories, depending on the amount of added fat from meat or oil.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	5.5 g
Carbs	38 g
Fat	4.5 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	320 mg
Potassium	380 mg
Vitamin A	5500 IU
Vitamin C	35 mg
Vitamin K	380 mcg
Calcium	180 mg
Iron	2.2 mg
Magnesium	45 mg
Folate	90 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Collard Green Rice is a prime example of 'soul food,' transforming humble greens and rice into a comforting one-pot meal. Nutritionally, it's unique for pairing a starchy base with a dark, leafy green powerhouse, making it a more balanced and nutrient-dense alternative to plain rice dishes.