Southern Collard Greens are a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, offering a delightful mix of smoky flavors and hearty textures. This comforting dish, featuring smoky ham hock, is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting side dish to your favorite meals. The rich aromas that waft through your kitchen while cooking will have everyone eagerly anticipating mealtime. Let’s dive into this traditional Southern collard greens recipe that’s sure to satisfy!
Why You’ll Love This Southern Collard Greens
There are numerous reasons to adore this Southern Collard Greens recipe. First of all, collard greens are packed with essential nutrients, making them a healthy addition to any meal. Here are some benefits:
- Low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, and K.
- Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
- Versatile; pairs well with various proteins and grains.
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for cold weather.
- Easy to prepare, great for weeknight dinners.
- Can be customized with different seasonings and meats.
Incorporating cooked collard greens into your diet is an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of greens while indulging in flavorful Southern-style cooking.
Ingredients for Southern Collard Greens
Gather these items:
- 1 tablespoon Lard (Can substitute with vegetable oil or bacon grease.)
- 1 medium Onion (Chopped.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
- 2 pieces Smoked Ham Hocks (Or smoked turkey leg for a lighter option.)
- 8 cups Water (Adjust for desired broth consistency.)
- 2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt (Can substitute with regular salt.)
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust based on spice preference.)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (Brown sugar can add more depth.)
- 2 bunches Collard Greens (Chopped.)
- 1 cup White Wine (Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.)
How to Make Southern Collard Greens Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a 6-quart stockpot, add 1 tablespoon of lard over medium heat. Once hot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 2: Toss in the smoked ham hocks, followed by water, seasoned salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 55-60 minutes until tender.
- Step 3: Stir in the chopped collard greens, white wine, and the remaining lard. Return to a boil, then simmer uncovered for another 55-60 minutes until the greens are tender.
- Step 4: Carefully remove the ham hocks, let cool slightly, and shred the meat. Return the shredded meat to the pot and serve with a slotted spoon.
- Step 5: Optional: Drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick!
Pro Tips for the Best Southern Collard Greens
Keep these in mind:
- Adjust ingredient quantities based on serving size.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing the greens is possible for longer storage.
- Experiment with the best seasoning for collard greens to find your perfect flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, try a vegan collard greens recipe using vegetable broth and smoked paprika for flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Southern Collard Greens
These Southern collard greens can be served in various delightful ways:
- Pair them with cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
- Serve alongside fried chicken or barbecue for a hearty feast.
- Top with bacon or ham hocks for extra flavor.
They also complement collard greens side dish ideas like mashed potatoes or rice perfectly!
How to Store and Reheat Southern Collard Greens
To maintain the flavors of your Southern Collard Greens, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Collard Greens
What’s the secret to perfect Southern Collard Greens?
The secret lies in slow cooking them with flavorful ingredients like smoked ham hocks and seasoned salt. This method allows the greens to absorb all the delicious flavors, resulting in a tender and satisfying dish.
Can I make Southern Collard Greens ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these greens a day in advance. In fact, the flavors develop even more overnight, making them a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Southern Collard Greens?
One common mistake is not cooking them long enough. Collard greens need time to become tender and flavorful. Ensure you simmer them adequately, and adjust your seasoning as needed for the best results.
Variations of Southern Collard Greens You Can Try
Feel free to switch things up with these variations:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ham hocks with smoked paprika for that signature flavor.
- Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
- For a unique take, incorporate different spices like cumin or coriander.
- Experiment with adding other greens like kale or mustard greens for variety.
With these tips and variations, your journey into the world of Southern Collard Greens will be both delicious and fulfilling!
For more delicious recipes, check out this ciabatta bread recipe or this spaghetti with garlic and oil. You can also explore this roasted carrot soup for a comforting meal.
For nutritional information on collard greens, visit Healthline.
Print
Savory Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hock Bliss
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This comforting Southern Collard Greens recipe features smoky ham hock and rich flavors, perfect as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Lard (Can substitute with vegetable oil or bacon grease.)
- 1 medium Onion (Chopped.)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced.)
- 2 pieces Smoked Ham Hocks (Or smoked turkey leg for a lighter option.)
- 8 cups Water (Adjust for desired broth consistency.)
- 2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt (Can substitute with regular salt.)
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust based on spice preference.)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (Brown sugar can add more depth.)
- 2 bunches Collard Greens (Chopped.)
- 1 cup White Wine (Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.)
Instructions
- In a 6-quart stockpot, add 1 tablespoon of lard over medium heat. Once hot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss in the smoked ham hocks, followed by water, seasoned salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 55-60 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the chopped collard greens, white wine, and the remaining lard. Return to a boil, then simmer uncovered for another 55-60 minutes until the greens are tender.
- Carefully remove the ham hocks, let cool slightly, and shred the meat. Return the shredded meat to the pot and serve with a slotted spoon.
- Optional: Drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick!
Notes
- Adjust ingredient quantities based on serving size.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing the greens is possible for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 110 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
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