Classic Southern Collard Greens 🌿🥬

This heartfelt recipe for Southern Collard Greens is a staple in Southern kitchens. It's rich, flavorful, and deeply comforting. Cooked low and slow, this dish offers the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly tangy glories that pair beautifully with cornbread, fried chicken, or a hearty bowl of beans.

Embrace the rich tradition of Southern cooking and enjoy these greens as part of a soul food spread or as a delicious side dish any day of the week!

Ingredients

For the collard greens

• 2 pounds of fresh collard greens, rinsed and chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 smoked ham hock (or turkey leg for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional for serving

• Hot sauce
• Cornbread

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

🥄 Sautéing the onions first releases their natural sweetness and adds depth to the dish.

• Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

• Add the ham hock (or turkey leg) to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.

• Carefully add the chopped collard greens, pressing them down to submerge them in the broth. Cover the pot and let everything simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the greens are tender.

🌶️ Feel free to adjust the level of heat by using more or less red pepper flakes or adding some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!

• Once the greens are tender, stir in the apple cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the ham hock and shred any meat to return to the pot if desired.

🧂 Adjust the acidity with more vinegar based on your preference; it brightens the dish's flavors beautifully.

• Serve warm, with a splash of hot sauce if desired, and alongside cornbread to soak up all that delicious broth!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth. Add a splash of liquid smoke for that rich, smoky flavor!
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for an extra heat surge.
• Flavorful Add-Ins: Toss in diced tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream just before serving for a rich and luscious dish.

🥳 This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge, and let the flavors meld together overnight. Reheat slowly and enjoy!