Collards Summer
A hearty Southern dish featuring tender collards cooked with ham hock and potatoes, offering rich flavors perfect for family gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Choose a large pot sufficient to hold collards and ham.
- Fill the pot about halfway with water.
- Add ham hock or a piece of ham to the water and bring to a boil.
- Cook for approximately 2.5 hours or until the collards are tender.
- Add the halved potatoes to the pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Drain the cooked collards and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Optionally, stir in some bacon drippings to enhance flavor before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your collards, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce to the cooking water. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the ham hock with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor. Be sure to wash the collards thoroughly to remove any grit before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These collards pair beautifully with German Potato Salad(Cold) for a refreshing contrast. Serve them as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or any of your favorite pork recipes. Consider topping with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick or serving with cornbread to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and warm them gently on the stovetop over medium heat. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Collards Summer contains roughly 2519 calories, with 42g protein, 353g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (145% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (108% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 683mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
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 frozen collards instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen collards if fresh ones are unavailable. Just make sure to reduce the cooking time slightly, as frozen collards are typically blanched before freezing, making them tender already.
What if I don't have ham hock?
If you don't have ham hock, you can use any leftover ham or even turkey necks for a similar flavor. For a vegetarian version, consider using vegetable broth with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the ham's smokiness.
How do I know when the collards are done cooking?
The collards are done when they are tender and wilted. You can test their doneness by tasting them; they should be soft but still have a bit of texture. If they are still tough, continue cooking and check every 10 minutes.
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).