Introduction
Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks is a Southern staple known for its rich, smoky broth and tender greens. Slow cooking allows the ham hocks to flavor every bite, creating a comforting dish perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or family gatherings.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2–2½ hours
- Total Time: About 2½ hours
🧰 Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs or slotted spoon
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 2–3 lbs fresh collard greens
- 1–2 smoked ham hocks
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances bitterness)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Collard Greens: Fresh is best; remove tough stems and wash thoroughly.
- Ham Hocks: Smoked provides deep flavor; adjust salt since they’re salty.
- Vinegar: Brightens flavor—add more at the table if desired.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare Greens
- Remove thick stems from collards.
- Stack leaves, roll tightly, and slice into ribbons. Rinse well.
- Cook Ham Hocks
- In a large pot, add ham hocks, onion, garlic, and water or broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 1–1½ hours until ham hocks are tender.
- Add Collard Greens
- Add collards to the pot (they will look like a lot but cook down).
- Stir, cover, and simmer another 45–60 minutes until greens are very tender.
- Season & Finish
- Stir in apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust salt carefully.
- Serve
- Remove ham hocks, shred meat, and return meat to the pot (optional).
- Serve hot with cornbread to soak up the pot liquor.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
💡 Tips
- Low and slow cooking makes the greens tender and flavorful.
- Always taste before adding salt—ham hocks are salty.
- Save leftover pot liquor for reheating or sipping (it’s the best part!).
🔄 Variations
- Extra Smoky: Add smoked turkey necks or wings along with ham hocks.
- Spicy: Add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.
- Sweet Southern Style: Add a pinch more sugar.
- Pressure Cooker: Cook ham hocks 35 minutes, then greens 15 minutes.
