Kicking Southern Style Collard Greens
Bring a taste of the South to your table with our "Kicking Southern Style Collard Greens," a soul-warming recipe bursting with bold, smoky flavor. Perfectly tender collard greens are simmered low and slow with savory smoked ham hocks, fragrant garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. A splash of apple cider vinegar and a hint of brown sugar balance the flavors, while smoked paprika adds a depth of Southern charm. Cooked in rich chicken broth, these greens soak up all the savory goodness, making them an unbeatable side dish to complement classic comfort foods like cornbread or fried chicken. Whether you're hosting a holiday feast or seeking weeknight soul food, this easy-yet-flavorful recipe delivers authentic Southern vibes in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 lbs collard greens
- 2 smoked ham hocks
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Start by thoroughly washing the collard greens under cold running water to remove any grit. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into 1-2 inch pieces.
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the smoked ham hocks to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes to allow the smoky flavor to infuse into the broth.
Stir in the chopped collard greens, a handful at a time, letting them wilt slightly before adding more.
Once all the greens are in the pot, add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and flavorful.
Taste the greens and adjust seasoning if needed. For an extra kick, stir in hot sauce to taste.
Once done, remove the ham hocks. Shred any meat off the hocks and return it to the pot, discarding the bones and skin.
Serve the collard greens hot as a side dish or alongside cornbread for a truly Southern experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1464 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 94.4 g | 121% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.1 g | 181% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 234 mg | 78% | |
| Sodium | 7907 mg | 344% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 89.3 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 41.3 g | 148% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.6 g | ||
| Protein | 82.2 g | 164% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.9 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 1482 mg | 114% | |
| Iron | 16.7 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 3036 mg | 65% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
