Easy Collard Greens with Ham Hocks: A Beginner-Friendly Recipe

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these hearty collard greens with ham hocks as a comforting staple.

Generations of cooks perfected this classic dish through slow, loving preparation.

Tender leafy greens absorb smoky ham flavor, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Humble ingredients combine to produce something truly magical on your plate.

Simple techniques make this recipe approachable for anyone wanting to explore traditional Southern cooking.

Salt, pepper, and patience turn these greens into a delectable side that sings with deep, complex notes.

Let’s uncover how you can craft this soulful dish that connects generations through one delicious bite.

Collard Greens With Ham Hocks That Taste Like the South

• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Perfect for novice chefs looking to explore Southern cuisine without complex techniques. The step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable and foolproof for anyone wanting to try traditional comfort food.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires only a few basic pantry staples and one main fresh ingredient. Home cooks can easily grab collard greens, ham hocks, and standard seasonings without expensive or hard-to-find components.
• Slow-Cooked Comfort: Delivers rich, deep flavors through a simple simmering method that transforms tough greens into tender, delicious bites. The low-and-slow cooking technique ensures maximum taste with minimal active preparation time.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Works perfectly as a hearty side dish or can be enjoyed as a standalone meal. Pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or as part of a classic Southern-style dinner spread that satisfies both family and guests.

Collard Greens with Ham Hocks Ingredients

• Chicken Stock, Water: Liquid foundation for rich, deep flavor and cooking base.
• Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent undertone to enhance overall taste.
• Smoked Ham Hocks: Delivers smoky, meaty flavor and helps tenderize greens.

• Collard Greens: Hearty, nutritious Southern-style vegetable with slightly bitter profile.

• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and traditional seasoning complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for extra spicy kick.
• White Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and helps cut through rich, meaty flavors.

Collard Greens with Ham Hocks Cooking Guide

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Grab a large pot and combine chicken stock and water.

Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, and smoky ham hocks.

Crank up the heat to medium-high and bring everything to a rolling boil.

Once bubbling, slap a lid on the pot and let it simmer for a solid 15 minutes, allowing those delicious flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 2: Welcome the Greens

After the initial cooking time, carefully lift the lid and add the first batch of collard greens.

Cover the pot again and let them cook down for 10 minutes.

The greens will start to wilt and soften.

Next, add the remaining collard greens, cover once more, and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until they’re looking perfectly tender.

Step 3: Season and Transform

Time to amp up the flavor!

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• White vinegar

Give everything a hearty stir to ensure the seasonings coat every single green leaf.

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let the magic happen for 1 to 1.5 hours.

Peek in occasionally and give a gentle stir to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Prepare to Serve

Pull out the ham hocks and decide if you want to shred the meat back into the pot.

Discard the bones and skin.

Ladle those rich, tender greens into bowls, making sure to scoop up plenty of that flavor-packed broth.

Get ready for a mouthwatering Southern-style side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Collard Greens – Beginner Cooking Tips

• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the depth and complexity of the cooking liquid.
• Slice collard greens into thinner strips to reduce cooking time and ensure more even, faster wilting throughout the pot.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, starting with a small pinch and gradually increasing for those who enjoy more kick.
• Remove tough stems from collard greens before chopping to eliminate any potential bitter taste and improve overall texture of the dish.
• Avoid overcooking by checking tenderness periodically, aiming for a bright green color and a soft yet slightly firm consistency.

How to Keep Collard Greens Tasty

• Store leftover collard greens in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled greens to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, they'll maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock if the greens seem dry to restore moisture and prevent burning.
• Place greens in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Ham Hock Collard Greens Pairings

• Pair Southern Comfort with Cornbread: Serve warm, slightly sweet cornbread alongside these collard greens to complement the rich, savory flavors and soak up the delicious broth.
• Sip Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Syrah with enough body and spice to match the hearty greens and smoky ham hock, cutting through the dish's richness.
• Match with Crisp Lager: Select a clean, light American lager that provides a refreshing contrast to the deep, earthy flavors of the collard greens and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Tangy Hot Sauce: Add a splash of vinegar-based hot sauce like Tabasco or Texas Pete to elevate the greens' flavor profile and provide a spicy kick that complements the smoky ham.

Collard Greens with Ham Hocks Versions

• Vegetarian Collard Greens: Replace ham hocks with smoked tempeh or plant-based bacon for a meat-free version that maintains rich, smoky flavor. Add liquid smoke for extra depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure chicken stock is certified gluten-free and skip any potential gluten-containing seasonings. Use tamari instead of traditional seasonings for added umami.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Reduce onion quantity, increase ham hock portion, and add extra butter or olive oil to boost fat content. Use bone broth instead of standard chicken stock for higher nutritional value.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium chicken stock, eliminate added salt, and rely on ham hocks and spices for natural seasoning. Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor without increasing sodium.

FAQs

• Are collard greens healthy?

Collard greens are incredibly nutritious, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and fiber. They support bone health, aid digestion, and provide powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation.

• Can I make this recipe without ham hocks?

While ham hocks add rich flavor, you can substitute with smoked turkey wings or bacon for a similar smoky taste. Vegetarians can use vegetable broth and add smoked paprika for depth.

• How do I prevent collard greens from tasting bitter?

Slow cooking with smoked meat and adding a splash of vinegar helps reduce bitterness. Removing the tough stem and cooking the greens low and slow breaks down their natural compounds, creating a more tender and mild flavor.

• What are the best seasonings for collard greens?

Traditional Southern-style seasonings include salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and white vinegar. Some cooks also add a touch of sugar to balance the bitter notes and enhance overall flavor profile.

Easy Collard Greens with Ham Hocks for Beginners Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering “easy collard greens with ham hocks for beginners” bring Southern comfort straight to your kitchen. Hearty greens slow-simmered with smoky ham hocks create a soul-satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 3 pounds fresh collard greens, cleaned and chopped

Liquid Ingredients:

• 9 cups (2.1 liters) unsalted chicken stock
• 3 cups (710 milliliters) water
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) white vinegar

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust foundation by combining chicken stock and water in a large pot, introducing chopped onion, minced garlic, and smoked ham hocks to develop a rich, aromatic liquid base.
2. Elevate the heat to achieve a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer with the pot covered, allowing the initial flavor profile to intensify for approximately 15 minutes.
3. Gradually incorporate collard greens in two separate batches, permitting each layer to wilt and soften through strategic covered cooking intervals of 10 minutes per addition.
4. Transform the developing dish with a carefully calibrated blend of salt, black pepper, optional red pepper flakes, and white vinegar, ensuring thorough distribution throughout the greens.
5. Transition to low heat, creating a slow, gentle environment that allows the collard greens to tenderize and absorb the complex, smoky undertones from the ham hocks over 1 to 1.5 hours.
6. Conclude the preparation by extracting ham hocks, meticulously separating succulent meat from bones and skin, then reintegrating the shredded protein back into the verdant, flavor-packed pot.
7. Present the collard greens piping hot, generously ladling the deeply seasoned broth to complement the tender, richly infused greens.

Notes

• Enhance tenderness by cutting collard green stems into thin, diagonal slices for quicker, more even cooking.
• Swap ham hocks with smoked turkey wings or bacon for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences like lower-fat options.
• Control spice levels by gradually adding red pepper flakes and adjusting to personal heat tolerance during cooking.
• Boost nutrient retention by minimizing cooking time and avoiding overcooking, which can diminish the greens’ vibrant color and nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg