Collard Greens With Ham Hocks
Savory collard greens with smoky ham hocks create a hearty, flavorful Southern dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a tender, spicy, and comforting experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the ham hocks and place them in 3 quarts of water.
- Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and cook with the lid on for 2 1/2 hours or until tender.
- Slice the leaves off the stalks of the collard greens.
- Place the collard greens in cold water and wash thoroughly.
- Slice the greens across into thirds.
- When the ham hocks are done, remove them from the pot.
- Add the greens to the pot with the ham hock liquid and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Return the ham hocks to the pot with the greens, cover, and cook for 30 minutes or until greens are just tender, turning gently once.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce when serving. If collard greens are unavailable, kale or mustard greens can be used as substitutes. For a smoky flavor, you can replace ham hocks with bacon or sausage. Adjust the crushed red pepper to your spice preference for a milder or spicier dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the collard greens alongside cornbread or rice for a comforting meal. They pair beautifully with Pork Guisantes or Ham Hock And Lima Beans for a hearty spread. For a complete dinner, consider adding a simple salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, gently warm the collard greens in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. They can also be microwaved in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Collard Greens With Ham Hocks contains roughly 400 calories, with 10g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (607% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh collard greens instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh collard greens are ideal for this recipe. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove any tough stems before cooking. Fresh greens will provide a vibrant flavor and texture that enhances the dish.
How do I know when the ham hocks are fully cooked?
The ham hocks are fully cooked when they are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone. Cooking them for about 2 1/2 hours should achieve this tenderness, but feel free to check and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ham hocks and using vegetable broth for flavor. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky taste. Cooking times for the collard greens will remain the same, but adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).