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southern collard greens recipe on a serving plate
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Southern collard greens recipe

These Southern collard greens recipe are slowly simmered with bacon, ham and a ham hock to create the best and meatiest collard greens ever!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword collard greens recipes, ham hock recipes, southern recipes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 10 -12 servings
Calories
Author Kathleen

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound hickory-smoked bacon chopped
  • 2 medium onions finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 pound smoked ham chopped
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 smoked ham hock
  • 2-2 1/2 pounds fresh collard greens, washed and trimmed
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions

  • In a large, heavy bottom, 10-quart pot, cook bacon (1/2 pound) over medium-low heat until almost crispy.
    Step 2 how to make Southern collard greens with bacon, cook the bacon
  • Add the onion (2 medium) and sauté in drippings until translucent, about 8 minutes.
    Step 3 how to make southern collard greens with ham hocks, saute the onions
  • Stir garlic (6 cloves) and ham (1/4 pound) into pot and continue to sauté, stirring constantly so garlic doesn't burn, for about 1 minute, or until garlic is fragrant.
  • Stir in broth (3 cups), apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup), sugar (2 1/2 teaspoons), salt (1 teaspoon), black pepper (1/2 teaspoon), Cajun seasoning (1 teaspoon), and ham hock then simmer for about 10 minutes.
    Step 4 how to make old fashioned collard greens recipe, add liquids, seasonings
  • Stir in the collard greens (2-2 1/2 pounds) and cook over medium, stirring until the greens cook down. Partially cover and simmer until tender, about 2 hours. Shred the ham hock using a fork. Serve.
    Step 5 how to make southern collard greens recipe, cook the collard greens