Sausage and Greens with Cheddar Cheese Grits

Using the collard greens’ potlikker as cooking liquid for the grits adds layers of flavor to this warm and comforting supper.

Sausage and Greens with Cheddar Cheese Grits
 
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients
  • 4 cups water
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 1 pound chopped fresh collard greens
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup stone-ground yellow grits
  • 1 (8-ounce) package sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 (20-ounce) package Italian sausage, casings removed
  • ⅓ cup thinly sliced sweet onion (about ½ medium onion)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
  1. In a large Dutch oven, bring 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Add greens; cook for 5 minutes. Drain, and set aside, reserving 3 cups cooking liquid in pot.
  2. Add milk and 1 teaspoon salt to reserved cooking liquid, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Slowly stir in grits; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until grits are soft and creamy, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in cheese. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.
  3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly. Remove sausage using a slotted spoon, and let drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet.
  4. Add onion and bell pepper to skillet; cook until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add broth, brown sugar, vinegar, red pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil. Add sausage and greens, tossing to coat. Serve over cheese grits.