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Authentic Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

Close-up of tender, dark green collard greens stewed in broth with pieces of shredded smoked meat.
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Make tender, flavorful Southern Collard Greens slow-cooked with ham hocks. This classic comfort food recipe delivers the rich, smoky taste you expect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh collard greens, tough stems removed and chopped
  • 2 smoked ham hocks
  • 8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Remove the tough center stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the chopped collard greens and ham hocks into a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot.
  3. Add the water or broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pot. The liquid should mostly cover the greens and ham hocks.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the greens simmer slowly for 3 to 4 hours, or until the greens are very tender and the ham hocks are falling apart. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the ham hocks from the pot. Shred the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones, and return the shredded meat to the pot. Discard any excess fat if desired.
  7. Taste the cooking liquid (pot liquor) and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the liquid is too thin, remove the lid and simmer for the last 30 minutes to reduce slightly.
  8. Serve hot as a classic Southern side dish.

Notes

  • For a quicker method, use an Instant Pot on high pressure for 45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.
  • If you do not have ham hocks, you can substitute with 4 slices of thick-cut bacon or smoked turkey wings for a smoky flavor.
  • Save the cooking liquid; it is full of flavor and excellent for moistening cornbread or rice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/authentic-southern-collard-greens-recipe/