Southern Collard Greens Recipe

For all you southern lovebirds and soul food fanatics out there, you’re in for a treat! Our Southern Collard Greens Recipe is a traditional, flavorful masterpiece that’ll send your tastebuds on a one-way trip to the Deep South. Perfect for family gatherings, barbecues or any occasion where comfort food is the guest of honor, these collard greens are the perfect blend of savory and country-style sweet. Y’all can’t help but fall in love with it!

What’s more is the magic these greens bring to a celebratory table setting. The vibrant green contrasted against smoked meats or classic mac ‘n cheese is nothing short of a southern festival in your mouth. Trust me, one forkful of these smoky, tender greens and you’ll be hooked.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Yield: 6 to 8 helpings of glorious greens

So without any further ado, let’s start cooking, sugar!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

2 bunches of collard greens, thoroughly washed
1 smoked ham hock
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
A pinch of red pepper flakes
White vinegar, to taste
A pinch of salt, pepper, and sugar

Equipment: A large pot and a sharp knife

The smoked ham hock is the secret to adding depth and intensity to the flavor of the dish. Meanwhile, the collard greens are the show-stoppers themselves, they bring a earthy robust taste to the recipe. Lastly, every southern chef knows that a good dose of white vinegar gives the perfect tangy kick. If you have trouble finding any item, smoked turkey could be used instead of ham hock.

How To Make Southern Collard Greens Recipe

First off, stack your clean collard leaves, roll them up, and chop.
In your large pot, add ham hock, chopped onion, and garlic. Cover with water, and bring to a simmer for about one hour.
Now, it’s time to introduce the collard greens. Put your chopped greens into the pot, season with salt, pepper and sugar. Add your red pepper flakes.
Cover and let it all simmer for another hour, stirring occasionally until the greens are tender.
Before serving, add vinegar to taste.

Tips For The Best Results

Always wash your greens thoroughly to avoid any grit in your dish.
Long and slow is the way to go. The longer you simmer your greens and ham hocks, the better.

Storage Tips

Collard greens can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
They freeze well too, just reheat and serve!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute ham hock with something else?

A: Yes, smoked turkey can be a great alternative.

Q: Are collard greens healthy?

A: Yes, collard greens are packed with nutrients.

Q: Can I use bottled vinegar?

A: Fresh vinegar is suggested for a robust flavor, but bottled vinegar works too.

Q: Can I freeze collard greens?

A: Absolutely, just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How long should I cook the greens for?

A: Ideally, you should simmer for about an hour until they become tender.

Nutritional Facts of Southern Collard Greens Recipe

A serving of our Southern Collard Greens Recipe contains 100-120 calories, with much of it coming from the ham hock. It’s high in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as fiber.

Now that we’ve walked you through our homely Southern Collard Greens Recipe, it’s your turn to bring some southern charm to your kitchen! Serve these savory greens with a generous slab of cornbread on the side and indulge. Happy cooking, y’all!