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Collard greens with ham hocks are the epitome of Southern comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. This recipe takes the intimidation out of cooking greens, breaking it down into simple steps perfect for beginners. With tender greens and smoky, savory ham hocks, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Easy Collard Greens with Ham Hocks for Beginners

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  • Author: Jake
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Collard greens with ham hocks is a classic Southern dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious. This beginner-friendly recipe guides you through creating tender greens infused with the smoky richness of ham hocks.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 pounds fresh collard greens, cleaned and chopped
  • 2 smoked ham hocks
  • 9 cups unsalted chicken stock
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 4 tablespoons white vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broth:
    1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken stock and water.
    2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and smoked ham hocks.
    3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and let it cook for 15 minutes.
  2. Add Collard Greens:
    1. After 15 minutes, remove the lid and add half of the collard greens to the pot.
    2. Cover the pot again and continue cooking for 10 minutes to allow the greens to wilt.
    3. Add the remaining collard greens, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  3. Season and Simmer:
    1. Once all the greens have wilted, season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and white vinegar.
    2. Stir well to ensure the greens are evenly coated with the seasonings.
    3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the greens simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until they reach your desired level of tenderness. Stir occasionally during this time.
  4. Serve:
    1. Once cooked, remove the ham hocks. You can shred any meat from the hocks and return it to the pot, discarding the bones and skin.
    2. Serve the collard greens hot, ensuring each serving has some of the flavorful broth.

Notes

  • Cleaning Collard Greens: Ensure the greens are thoroughly washed to remove any grit or dirt. Soaking them in a large bowl of water and rinsing multiple times can be effective.
  • Adjusting Flavor: Taste the greens during the simmering process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Adding more vinegar can enhance the flavor, and adjusting the salt and pepper can cater to your preference.
  • Storage: Leftover collard greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Find it online: https://justworthi.com/easy-collard-greens-with-ham-hocks-for-beginners/