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Best Southern Collard Greens Recipe with Ham Hocks

A close-up of tender, dark green collard greens served in a white bowl with shredded smoked ham or pork.
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Make tender, savory Southern Collard Greens slow-cooked with ham hocks. This recipe delivers the rich, smoky flavor of traditional soul food that melts in your mouth, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh collard greens, tough stems removed and chopped
  • 2 smoked ham hocks
  • 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the chopped collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Place the greens and ham hocks into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
  2. Add the water or broth, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot. The liquid should mostly cover the greens.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer slowly.
  4. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the greens are very tender and the ham hocks are falling apart. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove the ham hocks from the pot. Shred the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones, and return the shredded meat to the pot.
  6. Taste the cooking liquid (pot liquor) and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the liquid is too thin, remove the lid and simmer for the last 20 minutes to reduce slightly.
  7. Serve hot, ensuring each serving gets some of the flavorful liquid.

Notes

  • For quicker cooking, use smoked turkey wings instead of ham hocks; cooking time may reduce slightly.
  • If you prefer a less smoky flavor, rinse the ham hocks before adding them to the pot.
  • Save the cooking liquid; it is packed with flavor and is excellent poured over rice or cornbread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/best-southern-collard-greens-recipe/