Mustard greens and cornbread
Mustard greens and cornbread is a classic Southern United States comfort food pairing, often served as a hearty meal or side. The dish features slow-simmered mustard greens, typically cooked with smoked meats like ham hocks or bacon for flavor, alongside golden, crumbly cornbread made from cornmeal. This combination is a staple in Southern cuisine, reflecting its roots in African American and rural American culinary traditions.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This meal is generally high in carbohydrates from the cornbread and provides a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and iron from the mustard greens, with a moderate amount of protein from the added meats. A typical serving ranges from 300 to 500 calories, depending on portion sizes and the amount of fat used in cooking.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 35 mg |
| Vitamin K | 180 mcg |
| Calcium | 220 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Folate | 80 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish symbolizes Southern hospitality and resourcefulness, often passed down through generations with family-specific recipes. Nutritionally, the pairing is unique as it combines the hearty, energy-dense cornbread with nutrient-rich greens, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that has sustained communities for centuries.
