Southern Collard Greens Recipe made with salty Ham Hocks is a simple side dish full of savory flavor. This classic dish is easy to make and delicious the perfect side dish for just about any meal!
If you're short on time, this Braised Swiss chard Recipe is an excellent substitute for collard greens - they don't require any soaking!
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Why you'll love this recipe
The first time I had them was when I lived in North Carolina. I was trying to figure out what to have for dinner and the guys I worked with said to go down to the gas station and get some fried chicken and be sure to get the collard greens.
I was like.... what? Go to the gas station for dinner?
They said yup! Best southern food around.
I was pretty sure they were pulling my leg, but they weren't! The fried chicken was crispy and delicious, but what had me going back were the sides!
Green Beans, Mac 'n Cheese and Southern Corn Pudding - all of it amazing. Bacon, ham hocks and cream are staples in southern cooking and boy did they serve up a meal
Ingredients
You'll only need a handful of ingredients to make this dish.
- collard greens - a dark green and leafy vegetable
- ham hock - they are often found in the frozen food section. Check with your butcher if they aren't readily available. If you can't find them use smoked turkey legs. That will be delicious as well!
- onion - recommend white or yellow onion
- garlic, Tabasco Sauce, olive oil and butter - to add flavor and richness
Instructions
How do you prep the greens
- Soak the fresh collard greens well in cool water to remove any grit or grime.
- The center stems are tough and need to be removed.
- Slice along either side of the stem with a knife or you can strip the leaves from the stalk using your hands.
- Stack the leaves in a single pile and roll the collard leaves up cigar-style.
- Using a sharp knife, cut collards crosswise into thick ribbons on a cutting board.
Cooking the greens
- Boil the ham hock in a large pot covered with water to tenderize the meat. Remove ham hock, dice the meat into small pieces, set aside.
- Saute onion and garlic in butter and olive oil until soft.
- Add the chopped collard greens, diced ham, seasonings and reserved broth. Bring to a boil, cook collard greens stirring often.
- Cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook until the leaves are tender. This is such an easy collard greens recipe!
FAQ's
Collard Greens are leafy vegetables with thick tough stems. They are in the same family as turnips, kale and mustard greens.
They are filled with goodness! Low in calories, filled with vitamins and minerals. Here's what's important though, Southern Style Collard Greens are delicious!
Purchase collards with firm, deep green leaves - not yellow. Smaller leaves will be more tender and the flavor will be milder.
Soaking them in saltwater for about 30 minutes will help remove any bitterness. Just be sure to rinse them well afterward.
Tips
- Uncooked the leafy greens will stay crisp for several days refrigerated. Do not wash prior to refrigerating. Keep in a sealed plastic bag or wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel.
- When you're ready to cook them, really take the time to wash the large leaves well, if you don't remove all the grit you certainly won't be able to after they are cooked and you'll definitely taste them.
- Slicing the greens thinly will help ensure they are tender after cooking.
Variations
No Ham Hock - no problem! Substitute with smoked turkey leg or bacon. Both are delicious! And if you have extra collard greens be sure and add them to Black Eyed Pea Soup. It's a great way to use up leftovers!
Would you prefer Vegan Collard Greens? Omit the meat entirely and add a ¼ teaspoon of liquid smoke. Add it sparingly, it's very strong!
Mix up this leafy green side dish by adding kale prior to cooking, you'll get even more goodness from this meal!
Storage
This is a great dish to double, because leftovers are fantastic! Allow them to cool completely and store in a food storage container in the refrigerator. They will last 4-5 days.
Freezer storage - allow to cool completely and store well sealed in a food storage container. Freeze up to three months.
Serving suggestions
Collards pair really well with rich meals some of my favorite pairings are:
- Prime Rib - melt in your mouth tender meat
- Roast Turkey - perfect combination! Better yet, smoked turkey and collards are a match made in heaven!
- Fried Chicken - of course!
Related recipes
I may have not been born in the south, but I sure love their food! Some of my favorites are: Instant Pot Green Beans - salty bacon, onions and garlic - these are a classic side everyone loves!
Love over the top deliciousness? This recipe for candied sweet potatoes is a family favorite. With only a handful of ingredients, they are easy to make and everyone loves them!
Ham Pasta Salad - creamy pasta filled with salty ham and feta cheese along with plenty of crispy vegetables make this a side dish that is fantastic with every meal.
Recipe
Southern Collard Greens
Ingredients
- 2 bunches collard greens
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 ham hock
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 dashes Tabasco Sauce Substitute with red pepper flakes if Tabasco sauce isn't available. Season with black pepper if you want to avoid the heat.
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Start by placing the ham hock in a large skillet covered with water. Cover and over high heat bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and continue to boil for an hour to tenderize the meat.
- Remove ham hock, reserving the stock. Allow the meat to cool and pull the meat off the bone, diced into small pieces, set aside.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Return the pot to the burner and place over medium heat. Melt the butter, add the olive oil.
- Next add the onions and saute for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the cleaned, chopped greens. Season with Tabasco Sauce. Add three cups of the reserved broth and diced ham. Bring to a boil, stirring often. The greens will reduce dramatically.
- Cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 35-45 minutes until the leaves are tender.
Notes
Nutrition
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Don't worry, we'll never share your email.First published November 18, 2019. Updated April 20, 2021 to improve instructions and reader experience.
Kathleen Pope
Being raised in California, I don't know much about collard greens so this post was so informative!
Bowl Me Over
Collard Greens are delicious no matter where you live! I think you'd love these Kathleen!!
Kathy
Very tasty and very easy to prepare. I invited the neighbors over and they loved them too.
Madi
This may sound crazy but I've never tried collard greens before! Your version looks like something I could definitely make!
Erin Parker
These collards are the real deal! Our whole family loved them, and I can't wait to make them again!
Bowl Me Over
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Nikki
We love collard greens! Delicious recipe!
Sandra Shaffer
Can you believe I've never cooked collard greens until now? Great tip on soaking the greens. Makes a big difference to the flavor. This is a keeper!
Jennifer Ann Stewart
I was never a fan of greens until someone cooked them properly for me! And lots of bacon too!
Michaela Kenkel
These taste just like I remember them tasting when I was in Charleston! So delicious!
Angela
Collards are one of my favorites. I love the simple and delicious flavors in your recipe.
Kathleen
OOOHHHH, these are so flavorful and tasty!