Grandma Robena'S Collards
Grandma Robena's Collards is a comforting Southern classic featuring tender collard greens cooked with flavorful salt pork or ham hock. The greens are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce, making it a hearty and savory side dish perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Served with cornbread, it offers a satisfying taste of traditional Southern cooking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the salt pork and place it in a large pot with about 6 to 8 cups of water.
- Bring to a gentle boil, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the collards by discarding tough outer leaves and stems, then tear the leaves into manageable pieces.
- Add the prepared collards to the pot with the pork and cook for about 1 1/2 hours or until the greens are tender. Add salt and pepper near the end of cooking.
- Drain the greens and chop them coarsely before serving.
- Arrange the chunks of pork on a platter or with the greens on the serving dish.
- Serve with hot pepper sauce and cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked turkey instead of salt pork or ham hock. If collards are unavailable, kale or mustard greens can work as substitutes, though cooking times may vary. Be sure to wash the greens thoroughly to remove any grit. Adding a splash of vinegar at the end can enhance the dish's flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma Robena's collards alongside cornbread for a classic Southern meal. They pair beautifully with pork recipes, such as sweet and sour cabbage or Spanish rice with meat. Consider offering hot pepper sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover collards can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. They can also be microwaved, covered, for a quick reheating option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Robena'S Collards contains roughly 113 calories, with 1g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 916mg per serving (40% 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 typically preferred for their vibrant color and texture. Just ensure they are well washed, as they can hold dirt between the leaves. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so check for tenderness.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the salt pork or ham hock with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the collards, and add some diced tomatoes for extra depth.
What can I serve with collards besides cornbread?
In addition to cornbread, collards pair nicely with rice, particularly Spanish rice with meat, or can be enjoyed with hearty biscuits. A side of fried chicken or black-eyed peas also complements the dish beautifully.
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).