Southern Style Collard Greens
Southern style collard greens are a savory, hearty side featuring tender greens cooked with salt pork or ham hocks, rich flavors, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wipe each collard green half with a damp dishcloth.
- Wash each leaf separately in a large dishpan, then wipe and roll them in a ball to cut into small 1/2-inch strips.
- Remove stalks and large stems from the leaves with a sharp knife.
- Slice salt pork into small slices for frying.
- Pre-cook ham hocks if using them before preparing the greens.
- Pour the cooked salt pork and fat into a large cooking pot; add the cut greens, salt, and water.
- Cover and cook until tender over medium heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce during cooking. If you can't find salt pork, bacon or smoked sausage can be a great substitute. Always taste your collard greens as they cook; adjust salt and seasoning to your preference. For an extra kick, include crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of liquid smoke.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Southern Style Collard Greens as a hearty side dish alongside cornbread or fried chicken. They pair beautifully with Pork With Sauerkraut for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving them with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover collard greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave them, covered, in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Style Collard Greens contains roughly 17 calories, with 0g protein and 2g fat.
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?
Absolutely! Fresh collard greens will provide a vibrant flavor and texture. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove any tough stems before cooking. Fresh greens will require a similar cooking time, so adjust as needed until they are tender.
What can I use instead of ham hocks?
If you don't have ham hocks, try using smoked turkey legs or wings for a similar smoky flavor. You can also omit them entirely for a vegetarian version, though you might want to enhance the dish with liquid smoke or a dash of soy sauce for depth.
How do I know when collard greens are done cooking?
Collard greens are done when they are tender but still retain some texture. This typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour of simmering. Taste them as they cook to ensure they reach your desired level of tenderness and adjust seasoning as needed.
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).