⏱ Prep Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 1½–2 hours
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Total: ~2 hours
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Servings: 4–6
🍳 Ingredients
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2 smoked ham hocks
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2 lbs greens (collard greens, mustard greens, or turnip greens)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp oil or bacon fat
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4–5 cups water or chicken broth
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt to taste (add at the end)
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Simmer the Ham Hocks
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Place ham hocks in a large pot.
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Add water or broth to cover.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1–1½ hours, until meat is tender and falling off the bone.
2. Add Aromatics & Greens
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Heat oil or bacon fat in the pot.
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Add onion and sauté until soft.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Add cleaned, chopped greens. Stir until wilted.
3. Cook Low & Slow
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Return ham hocks (and broth) to the pot.
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Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes.
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Cover and simmer 30–45 minutes, until greens are very tender.
4. Smash
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Remove ham hocks, shred the meat, discard bones.
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Return meat to pot.
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Use a potato masher or wooden spoon to lightly smash the greens and meat together.
5. Finish & Serve
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Taste and add salt if needed.
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Splash with apple cider vinegar before serving.
