A hearty dish combines tender collard greens with smoky ham hocks for a comforting, flavorful meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with southern charm.
Prep Time20 min
Cook Time2 hr 15 min
Total Time2 hr 35 min
Difficulty
Hard
Tips For Better Flavor
Rinse the greens thoroughly to remove any grit or sand trapped in the leaves.
Simmer the ham hocks low and slow to extract maximum flavor and tenderize the meat.
Remove the tough stems from the collard greens before cooking to ensure a pleasant texture.
Ingredients
0/10
Why This Recipe Is So Easy To Love
Full of rich, smoky flavors and hearty greens that provide a satisfying and nutritious meal. It’s a comforting classic that brings warmth to any table and makes great use of affordable ingredients.
Step 1
Lightly heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook it until it smells amazing and starts to soften, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the garlic and let it cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and water, then add the ham hocks, a splash of vinegar, and the peppercorns. Turn the heat up to high and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about an hour to let all those flavors develop.
Step 2
After that, strain out the solids and crank the heat back up to high. Add the collard greens to the pot and bring the liquid back to a boil. Stir in the bacon, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook until the greens are tender and everything is well combined, which should take about another hour. When it’s done, scoop the collards into bowls with some of that flavorful broth and enjoy!
375
people cooked this recipe
ByMichael Davis
Michael enjoys creating straightforward meals that are easy to prepare at home.
Best Foods To Serve With This
Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or cornbread to soak up the delicious broth. It also pairs well with a simple side of steamed rice or roasted root vegetables for a complete meal.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the greens moist. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham hocks?
Yes, smoked turkey necks or smoked sausage are good alternatives that will still add great flavor.
How do I store leftovers and how long do they last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the onion and garlic first, then add all ingredients except collard greens and bacon to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, add greens and bacon in the last hour.
Do I need to peel the garlic cloves before adding them?
No, you can add the smashed garlic cloves with the skin on to infuse flavor, then strain them out later.
Why do you add apple cider vinegar to the dish?
It helps balance the smoky richness and brightens the overall flavor of the greens.
Can I use frozen collard greens instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce cooking time as frozen greens are already softened. Add them after the ham hock broth is ready and cook until heated through.
How do I know when the collard greens are done cooking?
They should be tender and easy to pierce with a fork, usually after about an hour of simmering.
Is it necessary to strain out the ham hocks and peppercorns before adding the greens?
Yes, straining removes tough bits and peppercorns, making the broth smoother before adding the greens.
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