Description
A classic Southern dish featuring tender collard greens slow-cooked with smoky ham hocks, aromatic onions, and garlic, seasoned with a hint of spice and tangy apple cider vinegar for a rich, flavorful side that’s perfect for soul food meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 pounds fresh collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat & Broth
- 2 smoked ham hocks
- 6 cups chicken broth
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the greens: Rinse the collard greens thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Set them aside once cleaned.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer ham hocks: Add the smoked ham hocks to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Increase heat to bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until the ham hocks start to tenderize and infuse the broth with smoky flavor.
- Add collard greens: Gradually add the chopped collard greens, a few handfuls at a time, stirring after each addition until the greens are wilted and incorporated into the pot.
- Season and cook: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt to taste. Increase the heat slightly and simmer uncovered for another 45 to 60 minutes until the greens are tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Finish and serve: Remove the ham hocks, shred any tender meat from the bones, and return the meat to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Serve the collard greens warm as a hearty, flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For a deeper, richer flavor, cook the greens low and slow, allowing the ingredients to meld over time.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors have further developed.
- For a leaner alternative, substitute smoked turkey legs for the ham hocks.
- Use good-quality smoked ham hocks to enhance the smoky depth in the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
