Collards
Savory collards cooked with ham hocks or ham juice, resulting in tender greens infused with smoky, salty flavors, perfect for comforting Southern-style meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean the collards very well.
- If using ham, cook 3 ham hocks until tender, then reserve the juice.
- Alternatively, use ham juice from a cooked ham.
- Place cleaned and chopped collards in the juices from the meat.
- Cook greens until tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours over low heat.
- Add salt, pepper, and red pepper to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
When cleaning collards, soak them in a large bowl of water to remove dirt and grit. If you don't have ham hocks, smoked turkey or bacon can provide a similar smoky flavor. Consider adding a splash of vinegar for a tangy finish. For a vegetarian option, substitute with vegetable broth and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor without meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve collards as a hearty side dish alongside cornbread and fried chicken for a classic southern meal. They also pair beautifully with Romanian Cabbage Rolls(Sarmale) or can be added to a bowl of Pancit Noodles for a nutritious boost. Garnish with a squeeze of lemon or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover collards in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Collards can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Collards contains roughly 20 calories, with 1g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 611mg per serving (27% 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 fresh collards instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh collards are ideal for this recipe. Just remember to thoroughly clean and chop them, as they can retain dirt. Fresh collards will also cook faster than frozen ones, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
What can I substitute for ham hocks?
If you don't have ham hocks, try using smoked turkey or even a splash of liquid smoke for a vegetarian alternative. You can also enhance the broth with a few drops of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to mimic the savory depth of ham.
How do I know when the collards are done cooking?
Collards are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours of simmering. Taste them towards the end of cooking to adjust the seasoning and ensure they reach your desired texture.
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).