For starters, it’s the best part of making greens and beans.
But a true Southern cook knows that potlikker should never, EVER be left behind.
The history of potlikker dates back to enslaved cooks trying to make the most of the food they had.
Credit:Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
The concentrated liquid left behind after boiling greens or beans maintains roots deep in Southern culture and cooking traditions.
Or you’ve got the option to simply eat it alone, dippingcornbreadinto the rich, savory elixir.
Although meat is not a requirement for potlikker, I’d argue that it’s a requirement forreallygoodpotlikker.
Credit:Greg Dupree / Southern Living
While good potlikker is definitely savory, that doesn’t mean it has to be salty.
When food is salty, it’s sharp.
To round out salty flavors, it helps to add something just a little sweet.
Credit:Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
I like to add either and apple or a sweet potato to my green and potlikker.
What Greens Make Great Potlikker?
What Are The Benefits Of Potlikker?
Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Thats not the only benefit, however.
One pot of greens can yield a side dish and several cups of flavorful potlikker, leaving nothing wasted.
Stretch the greens even further by making Pickled Collard Green Stems with leftover collard stems.
Can You Use Beans to Make Potlikker?
Choosing the right beans to make potlikker is important.
If adding salt and pepper or other salty spices, a less salty protein might be a better choice.
Potlikker is most common, but it also goes by pot liquor or collard liquor.
Although there is “liquor” in the name, there is no alcohol in potlikker.
It’s made for cooking, not drinking!
However, you’re free to add bourbon when cooking greens to help deglaze the pan.
Potlikker makes a great substitute in gravy recipessimply sub out the same number of cups of stock for potlikker.
Serve as a usual gravy with mashed potatoes or over turkey or ham.
How Do You Store Potlikker?
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
What Should You Eat With Potlikker?
You dont have to turn potlikker into its own recipe.
you’re free to eat it warm out of the pan.
The most traditional way of consuming potlikker is with corn bread for dipping or crumbled into the liquid.
Our recipe forDouble Potlikker Greensyields more potlikker than most recipes, providing you with plenty extra to play with.
