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Authentic Slow-Cooked Southern Collard Greens

A close-up of tender, dark green collard greens served on a white plate, topped with pieces of crispy smoked bacon.
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Make tender, flavorful Southern collard greens cooked low and slow with smoked ham hocks for deep, traditional taste.

Ingredients

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  • 2 pounds fresh collard greens, washed and chopped
  • 1 smoked ham hock (or 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped)
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the collard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove grit. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the ham hock (or bacon) over medium heat until the fat renders and the meat is lightly browned. Remove the meat and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook in the rendered fat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Return the ham hock (or bacon) to the pot. Add the chopped collard greens, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you are using them.
  5. Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly.
  6. Simmer the greens slowly for 2 to 3 hours, or until the greens are very tender and the liquid has reduced and become flavorful. Stir occasionally.
  7. Taste the greens and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove the ham hock bone before serving, shredding any meat from the bone and returning it to the pot.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor substitute.
  • The cooking time determines tenderness; cook longer for softer greens.
  • Save the pot liquor (the cooking liquid) to serve over cornbread or rice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesfleet.com/authentic-slow-cooked-southern-collard-greens/