Description
Southern-Style Collard Greens are a classic comfort food, slow-cooked with smoked meat, onion, and seasonings until tender and flavorful. The greens are perfectly seasoned with a balance of smokiness, savory notes, and just the right amount of spice. It’s a dish that’s a staple at many Southern meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs collard greens, washed and chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock or smoked turkey leg
- 4 cups chicken broth (or water for a lighter version)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the smoked ham hock (or turkey leg), chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the chopped collard greens, sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer the collard greens for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the greens are tender and the flavors are well combined. Stir occasionally and check for seasoning adjustments.
- Once cooked, remove the ham hock or turkey leg from the pot. Shred the meat off the bone and stir it back into the greens.
- Serve hot, with cornbread or your favorite Southern sides.
Notes
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the smoked meat and substitute with vegetable broth and smoked paprika for flavor.
- Collard greens can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the cooked greens before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg