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Slow-Simmered Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

A close-up of tender collard greens simmered in broth with shredded smoked meat served in a white bowl.
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Make tender, flavorful Southern Collard Greens using smoked ham hocks. This recipe delivers the classic, rich taste you expect from comfort food, cooked low and slow until the greens melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh collard greens, washed and chopped
  • 1 smoked ham hock
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Place the chopped collard greens and the ham hock into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Add the water or broth, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. The liquid should mostly cover the greens.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the greens simmer slowly for 2 to 3 hours, or until the collard greens are very tender and the ham hock meat is easily pulled from the bone.
  5. Remove the ham hock from the pot. Shred the meat from the bone, discarding the skin and bone, and return the meat to the pot.
  6. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar. Taste the broth (pot liquor) and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  8. Serve hot as a classic Southern side dish.

Notes

  • For an easier version, substitute the ham hock with 4 slices of bacon, cooking the bacon first to render fat before adding the greens and liquid.
  • If you prefer a quicker method, use an Instant Pot; cook on high pressure for 35 minutes followed by a natural pressure release.
  • Save the cooking liquid; this flavorful broth is often called ‘pot liquor’ and is excellent served with cornbread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenican.com/collard-greens-slow-simmered-southern-recipe/