Description
Craving authentic Southern flavor? Master Real-Deal Southern Collard Greens in 5 easy steps—tender, smoky, and soulful. Try this recipe tonight!
Ingredients
- Collard greens (1-2 bunches): The heart of the dish! Make sure you get fresh, crisp greens for the best flavor and texture. You can substitute with mustard or turnip greens if you prefer, but collards are the star.
- Smoked ham hock or turkey neck (1): For that smoky, savory depth of flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can swap this out for liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
- Onion (1 medium): Adds sweetness and richness to the dish.
- Garlic (3-4 cloves): Garlic gives the greens an aromatic kick that complements the smoky flavors.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The liquid base for the greens. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): A dash of acidity to balance the rich flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): For just a hint of heat. You can adjust this to your spice preference.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): A small touch of sugar helps round out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): To sauté the aromatics and provide a bit of richness.
Instructions
Start by thoroughly washing the collard greens to remove any dirt or grit. Once clean, strip the tough stems from the leaves by folding the leaves in half and cutting or snapping the stem off. Stack the leaves, roll them up, and cut them into strips, roughly 1-inch wide.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step helps to develop the savory base that will elevate the greens.
Add your smoked ham hock or turkey neck to the pot, along with the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once the broth is boiling, add the prepared collard greens to the pot, stirring to make sure the greens are evenly submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the greens simmer for about 60-75 minutes, or until tender and flavorful. The longer you cook them, the more intense the flavor becomes.
Once the greens are tender, remove the smoked ham hock or turkey neck from the pot. Use a fork to shred the meat and stir it back into the greens. Taste the greens and adjust the seasonings, adding more vinegar for acidity or salt for seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy the savory, smoky goodness of your Real-Deal Southern Collard Greens!
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT1H30M
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: serves 2 people
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
Keywords: Real-Deal Southern Collard Greens,collard