Get ready to savor the bold, comforting flavors of the South with this recipe for Southern Style Collard Greens! Simmered to perfection with smoky ham hock, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, these tender greens are the ultimate side dish for any soul food feast. Infused with rich, savory pot liquor, each spoonful bursts with deep, slow-cooked goodness, thanks to its hearty blend of aromatic onions, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly satisfying, these collard greens are a must-try accompaniment for cornbread, fried chicken, or your favorite Southern classics. Whether you're looking to add a touch of tradition to your table or craving a bowl of warm Southern comfort, this easy recipe will deliver authentic flavor in just a few simple steps.
Begin by washing the collard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Remove the stems and coarsely chop the leaves.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Add the smoked ham hock to the pot along with 6 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add the collard greens to the pot a few handfuls at a time, stirring each addition until all the leaves are in the pot.
Stir in the apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the pot and mix well.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the greens simmer for 90 minutes or until they are tender. Stir occasionally during cooking.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the ham hock before serving.
Serve the collard greens hot, with a portion of the flavorful pot liquor. They pair well with cornbread or other Southern dishes.
Calories |
875 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.3 g | 64% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.4 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 70 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 3427 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 76.6 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.8 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.1 g | ||
| Protein | 42.5 g | 85% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1238 mg | 95% | |
| Iron | 11.3 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 1531 mg | 33% | |
*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.