If you’re a true Southerner, then you know exactly what potlikker is. It’s the delicious, vitamin-rich broth that’s left over when cooking greens – be they collards, turnip greens, kale, etc.
In my family, it was often saved and we would crumble cornbread in it – some eating it for lunch the next day. As I said, it is crazy delicious, but also full of vitamins and minerals being that most of them cook out of the greens. In fact, many old-school doctors used to (some still do) suggest drinking potlikker for a variety of ailments but especially anemia being that the broth is rich in iron. It’s also chock-full of vitamins K and C, though they vary depending on which green it is that you’re cooking. Regardless, it’s good stuff and it’s good for you.
Now, I’ll admit that this isn’t TRUE potlikker soup because it doesn’t use the leftover broth from cooking greens. BUT, it has the same great flavor, is ready in half the time, and keeps the greens in it rather than just having the leftover broth.
It’s a hearty and filling soup and one that you can customize with your own favorite beans, vegetables, and greens. I used collards (they are my personal favorites), black-eyed peas, and tomatoes, but you could use nearly any green and any combination of beans or peas that you like.
The recipe also calls for 1-pound of chopped ham. This can be ham steaks straight out of the refrigerated case at the grocery store (that’s what I used) or it can be leftover pieces from a large ham. You could even use ham hocks or jowl if you wanted to. It’s completely up to you. You’ll just want to be sure it’s smoked ham so that it gives the soup that smokey flavor.
Now, I’m going to go ahead and stop you before you try to tell me that it’s “pot liquor” instead of “potlikker.” See this letter to the editor, from then Lt. Governor of Georgia Zell Miller, printed in the New York Times in 1982 for reference. 🙂
Y’all enjoy!!
Recipe Card
Quick and Easy Potlikker Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound smoked ham, chopped (about 3 cups chopped)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen chopped collard greens (or other green of your choice)
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, drained
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ham and onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic, cook about a minute more. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the frozen greens. Bring back up to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the rinsed peas and drained tomatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
I make this soup all the time during the winter months! We serve with cornbread. I grew up and still live in North Georgia and grew up on collard greens and potlikker!
My family loves this soup and the leftovers are even better! I add diced carrots most times and it’s a great addition. Thanks for a keeper!
This is my go-to for New Years since I’ve found it- alongside a cast iron skillet full of cornbread. Coming from a “use what you have” home/mentality, I have used fresh collards or dried BEP, or added in side meat or bacon and it all works. It’s such a great combo of flavors you could probably get away without salt and pepper. Simple and delicious recipe, keep up the great work Stacey!
Thanks, Josie! Glad you enjoyed this one! It’s one of my favorite recipes.
I have some leftover greens that I will be using. It appears this recipe could be frozen. What say you? As it is just myself and my husband, I’m always looking for ways to use up leftovers AND freeze for another meal.
Those should be perfect. Yes, this should freeze just fine.
Stacey, I can’t WAIT to try this! Wish I’d seen it earlier I -it’s like New Years Day Dinner in a pot! Just the name brings back some of my fondest memories growing up, with all the women in the kitchen–talking about this dish or that dish will render the best potlikker. <3
Ha! Hope it turns out great for you!!
Made this delicious soup with leftovers.
Leftover greens from Easter, found fresh spinach in my crisper, had fresh pot of beans from day before, can of rotel, leftover oxtails.. Was smack yourself delicious.. Thank you!
Sounds amazing!!! Glad you enjoyed it!!
I make mine with turnip greens and white beans.
Yum!