Southern Collard Greens
Southern collard greens feature slow-cooked, tender greens infused with smoky ham hock flavor, perfect for comforting family meals or hearty gatherings with a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and cut the collard greens.
- Put water and ham hock in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Lower heat to very low and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Add collard greens and hot pepper flakes.
- Simmer, covered, for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add salad oil or butter; simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Check and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, ideally with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding diced onions and garlic to the pot before the ham hock. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ham hock and salt pork with smoked paprika and liquid smoke for that rich taste. You can also adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot pepper flakes or even adding a dash of hot sauce later.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the collard greens hot alongside cornbread for a classic Southern meal. They also pair wonderfully with dishes like Swedish Meatballs or Spicy Bacon-Banana Wraps, adding a hearty, flavorful side. You can garnish with a sprinkle of vinegar or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the collard greens cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. They can also be reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Collard Greens contains roughly 127 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1527mg per serving (66% 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 collard greens instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh collard greens are ideal for this dish. Make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any grit, and cut them into manageable pieces before adding them to the pot.
How do I know when the collard greens are done cooking?
Collard greens should be tender but still have a slight bite. After simmering for about 2 hours, taste them to check for tenderness and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I serve with collard greens?
Collard greens are versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. They pair well with cornbread, fried chicken, or Pork recipes for a complete Southern feast. Consider serving them alongside mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal.
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).