southern collard greens with ham…mmm!
When folks think of the South, I imagine they’d think of Southern food – things like okra, cornbread, grits, sweet tea and southern collards greens! Those are all things that a true Southern cook should know how to prepare. Oddly enough though, I’ve found that many folks are scared of greens. Not only in preparing them, but eating them too. For me, southern collard greens are just about my favorite vegetable. I’ve been told that when I was little, I would turn down a bowl of ice cream for a bowl of collards and some cornbread. It’s funny too, because at the end of the season, my grandfather would harvest the remaining leaves and pull up the collard plants and I would take the plants and go plant them in the backyard only for them to grow more.
It’s true, I might have an obsession with the leafy green. In fact, I grew my own this year and was able to cook my first mess just this past weekend. Now for me, collards are not southern collard greens unless they are cooked with a smoked ham hock, bacon just won’t do it. And I don’t care a lick about collards that have sugar in them. Just not my thing.
Here is a SUPER easy way to make some of the best southern collard greens you’ve ever had. In the words of my great-grandmother, they might even make your tongue slap your brains out, so beware.
Let’s talk a little about what goes into this. You can certainly buy a bunch of collards at the farmers market or grocery store (and I urge everyone to do it at least one time) and cut and wash them yourself. You can also take the convenient way out and buy a 2 pound bag of the pre-cut, pre-washed kind. It’s a HUGE time saver and is so much easier. If you’re interested in what a ham hock actually is click here. But I’d just advise you not to worry about all that and use it anyway. 🙂 Y’all enjoy!
Classic Southern Collard Greens
Ingredients
- 2 pounds washed and chopped collard greens
- 3 quarts water
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 3 chicken bouillon cubes
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 a yellow onion coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Combine water, ham hock, bullion cubes, salt, garlic, and onion in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Carefully add collards allowing them to cook down a minute or two to allow the rest to fit into the pot.
- Cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every now and then, or until the collards are tender. When ready to serve, stir in the vinegar. If you'd like, remove the ham hock and shred the meat. Return the meat to the greens and serve.
Belinda says
I have eaten collard greens for over 50 years and I have to say … these were some of the best collard greens I have ever eaten.
marie says
I like collards better than turnip greens but make sure you get the thick stems off. To me turnip greens are dainty but collards are robust.
Stacey says
I agree completely! You do need to get the woody stems off, but the softer stems are my favorite part!
rebecca burgess says
after cooking this way — fry a little fat back,transfer greens to frying pan. use forks and drain water back into pot before transfer. fry,cut up a little bit with fork and knife–kinda shortens the stems!!! shouthern folks–will fry!!!
Angela says
I have collard greens waiting in the garden, now I know what to do with them. Must go buy some ham hock though!
Stacey says
Perfect! And yes, it’s worth getting the ham hock! You can probably find it in your local grocery store without much problem.
Elaine R Ricks says
I use smoked neck bones!
Stacey says
Those work great!
Jane King says
Me 2! Smoked turkey is the best!
Kathryne says
Love the collard greens. I had never thought of adding the chicken bullion cubes or the garlic clove.
Must try those additions next time.
Stacey says
It makes a big difference in flavor!
Theresa says
Never made these and am excited to but I have a question….do you just put the clove of garlic in whole or do you chop it up?
Stacey says
I just drop the whole clove in there! Hope you enjoy them!
Theresa says
Oh my word!!!!!!! First time ever making collard greens and I am in love!!!! Haha!!!! Thank you for your recipes and tips. My husband and son loved them!!!!
Stacey says
Awesome! I’m so glad to hear that everyone enjoyed them!!
Melba says
Collards are the Best of the Best of Southern Foods. I make my own Pepper Sauce to sprinkle on them and cook a big old skillet of Corn Bread and I don’t need a thing to go with them.. I do add chopped onions in mine…
Stacey says
Sounds delish! Love me some cornbread and pot liquor!
Dotty says
I think you’ve just caputerd the answer perfectly
Elizabeth says
Is it necessary to add the salt? I can’t have salt so I’m hoping the other ingredients will flavor the greens or should I use a salt substitute? Recipe looks so easy and I really want to make it.
Stacey says
I would certainly say that it isn’t necessary. There is plenty of flavor in there with the bullion and the garlic. Try it without, you can always add a salt substitute at the end if it’s not to your liking.
Charles Elliott says
Try Uncle Wileys Greens Seasoning. Google it and enjoy. I grow my own collards.
Tina says
Oh…just the recipe I needed for this weekend! Love collards!
Stacey says
Good luck, Tina! Happy New Year!!
Glenda Hawkins says
My husband likes mustard greens. So, that’s what I cook. I thought the recipe, above required TO MUCH salt.. 2 tablespoons? I don’t use NEARLY that much. I like to saute some ham that contains a little bit of fat along with onion. Then I add the greens, vegetable broth and season.
Stacey says
I’m a big fan of almost all green leafy vegetables! You know what they say about tastes. 🙂 I find that when using 3 quarts of water, the salt amount turns out just about right. But as with ANY recipe, you can change it to suit your taste. Happy New Year!!
Carrie says
How much would you say two bunches is (estimate)? I know if my bunches are larger than yours I will have to adjust the seasoning… lol
Stacey says
Hmmm… well, I’m just not too sure. It shouldn’t make a huge difference except for salt. I’ve seen estimates that claim that a bunch is about 1 pound.
Marcedes says
All I can say is THANK YOU….The recipe was quick and easy but most importantly the flavor was so good. I added seasoning salt and onion flakes to the water and allowed them simmer 3 -4 hours.
Stacey says
Sounds delish! I’m so glad they turned out good for you!!!
SallyB. says
This is almost exactly how I have always prepared my collards. Exceptions are that I go ahead and use canned chicken broth instead of the bouillon and water, and I have not yet tried it with garlic. I’ll give that a try next time! I pull the meat off the hock when it’s done, shred and chop it, and add it back to the greens. This recipe converted my daughter’s in-laws in PA to greens and now they grow them too!
Stacey says
The garlic just kicks it up a notch. Enjoy!
Mickey Louth says
Never had collard greens but I love chards and stuff. Will have to look up the growth period, maybe I can grow them in my northern Maine garden? Kale does ok up here….this sounds like a tasty recipe as most of your recipes do 🙂
Stacey says
Good luck! I bet you’ll like them!
JaneM says
I have never had collard greens but have acquired a taste for kale (ex was from MD), so I am going to have to broaden my horizons. I also love a smoked ham hock boiled in my kale. I have found that if I pressure cook the hocks for about an hour or more before I transfer them and all the broth over to a big pot before cooking the greens, it really softens the hard smoked rind of the hock (my favorite part) and the concentrated flavor from the pressure cooking broth adds to their final deliciousness.
Stacey says
I often boil my hocks before I add the greens, too! It really adds more smoky flavor.
nicoal says
For some reason I’ve been intimidated by cooking sides, but this was delicious and so easy. Thank you! (I used your cookbook too!)
Stacey says
You are making my day with these comments!! Thanks, Nicoal!
Diane says
When does the onion go in?
Stacey says
Right in the beginning.
Jillian Esparza says
Hi, I’ve never made Collard greens and decided to try your recipe. I have one question do you drain the water before or after adding the vinegar? I’m excited to try the recipe.
Stacey says
Don’t drain them until ready to serve, so you’ll add the vinegar before. But don’t get rid of that juice. It’s the pot likker and it’s chock full of vitamins, minerals, and FLAVOR!
William Petrey says
Has anyone tried cooking them in a slow cooker? If so, how long at low setting?
Stacey says
I would start with 4 to 6 hours on low.
Meaghan says
After I add the greens so i bring the heat down to a boil? I’m a northerner living in the south. Trying to cook like a southerner for my husbands fmaily.
Meaghan says
I meant simmer, not boil
Stacey says
That’s it! Hope y’all enjoy!
Candace says
I couldn’t find a smoked ham hock, just a regular one. Think I should add a drop or two of liquid smoke? This will be my first time cooking collards, I grew up eating Creasy Greens. Excited to give these a try!
Stacey says
I think the smoke flavor is an important component. Just watch out. That stuff can be potent!
Fay Moore says
I’m so glad to finally hear another Southern cook who doesn’t put sugar in all the vegetables!! I may be the only person in the South other than you that does not put a spoonful of sugar into every vegetable I cook! I love your method for cooking greens, and will be trying it out during this holiday! Thank you for your good recipes, and Happy New Year!
Stacey says
Hope you’ll enjoy!!
Puka Gerl says
This recipe was soooo simple, but produced some of the best collard greens I’ve ever had. I made some modifications, however. I used chicken broth vice the bouillon cubes; threw in 2 jalapenos; and added a little Tabasco to my individual serving. YUMMY. YUMMY, YUMMY!!!! (In case you couldn’t tell, I like my food a little SPICY.) ????
Stacey says
So glad they turned out great for you!
Judy Runberg says
I like turnip greens and fix them about the same way except I use bacon cut in pieces. You have more salt with bacon I think. I put the vinegar on the table as not everyone in our family cares for vinegar. I don’t use garlic either. I’ve never used sugar while cooking. My mom (from Tenn.) moved to KS and remarked about all the ladies cooking with sugar! lol (I was born in KS taught to cook without sugar!) Going to try the other greens tho. Know they’ll be good. Get the cornbread in the oven! Enjoy your blog and all the comments. Learn so much. Thanks.
Stacey says
Thanks so much, Judy!
Tracey Yurko says
How would I make these and freeze them? I have fresh greens now, but want them for Christmas?
Stacey says
I would suggest simply pouring them inot freezer ziplock bags with the juice and freezing. Super easy!
Joan Aldridge says
My frist time looking at your recipes was looking for black eye peas you hit it right just would like to say THANK You I also got the collards recipe. I will let you know how we enjoy them. Wishing you all the best for the new Year.
Stacey says
Hope they both turn out great for you! Happy New Year!!
Rick says
I remember these as a kid and want to try them now that I am older. I remember that I use to put something, a liquid on them on my plate. I can’t remember if it was vinegar or something else but it really made them great. Can you guys remind me what it was, specifically what it was, so I know exactly what to get. There are many types of vinegar so if that is it, I need the specific kind. I just remember my grandmother had it in a bottle, no label, so not sure what it is. Thank you in advance.
Stacey says
You’re probably referring to pepper sauce – or vinegar pepper sauce. The brand that I find in the grocery store most often is Trappey’s. But you can certainly make your own.
Mary Peterson says
How long to cook if using a crock pot
Stacey says
I’ve not done these in a slow cooker, but I’d guess 4 to 6 hours.
Linda says
I absolutely love collard greens! ‘have been eating them all my life, and, especially on New Year’s…the more you eat the more greenback you have in the coming year!
Stacey says
They’re my favorite green for sure!
Christy says
Stacey,
Happy almost New Year! Question for you regarding the ham hock…all I have is a leftover ham with fat (that has been frozen) from Christmas. Will that work in lieu of the ham hock?
Regards,
Christy
Stacey says
That should work! Enjoy!
Kelly Huff says
I fixed collards for the first time this past week using your recipe and country ham and they came out so good. It made a lot but they seemed to taste better every time I ate some. I plan to fix them again and really enjoy your site.
Stacey says
Thanks, Kelly! So glad to hear they turned out great for you!
Cookin' Rookie says
I made up a mess of these collards to go with brisket, mac & cheese, cornbread and Texas style beans with jalapeños. Collards can have a wide range of flavors and sometimes they don’t appeal to my taste buds, but these were some of the the best I’ve ever had and certainly the best I’ve made. I used four strips of chopped Hormel salt pork instead of the smoked ham hock. To compensate for the saltiness and lack of smoke in the pork, I used just one tablespoon of salt and added 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke. I used chopped greens from a bag which made the whole process very easy. This recipe is a keeper for sure.
Stacey says
Glad to hear you enjoyed them!
kathy says
Hi, what temp do you cook them on for the 2 hours after they come to a boil or do you boil them the entire time? Thanks.
Stacey says
Reduce them to just a simmer.