Grandma's Southern Collard Greens Delight
This Southern Collard Greens recipe is a nostalgic blend of two beloved family traditions, delivering a taste that elevates even store-bought greens to gourmet levels. Rich in flavor from the smoked ham hocks and complemented by the tangy vinegar and spicy kick from fresh hot peppers, this dish is a soulful side that pairs beautifully with any meal. Enjoy it with cornbread or over a bed of rice to fully appreciate the depths of flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe will bring warmth and joy to your table.
6
Servings
132
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
collard greens
1 bunch (washed and cut into pieces, do not cut up the stems)
large onion
1 (chopped)
vinegar
1/4 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
hot peppers
3 (chopped)
ham hocks
2 large (none)
water
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large cast iron pot, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the smoked pork product (ham hocks, bacon, or another smoked option) to the pot and allow it to render its juices for another 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the water, vinegar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and the chopped hot peppers. Stir well, then pour this mixture into the pot and mix to incorporate all the flavors.
4
Begin adding the collard greens to the pot one handful at a time, stirring to ensure they are coated in the liquid. It’s okay if the greens overflow initially; they will wilt down significantly as they cook.
5
Once all the greens are added to the pot, stir occasionally until they have wilted and reduced in volume. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the collard greens simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally, tasting periodically to check for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper as needed.
Nutrition Information
9.7g
Fat
4.3g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Grandma's Southern Collard Greens Delight.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of these collard greens?
There are 132 calories per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9.7g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 4.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
This dish provides 5g of protein per serving.
How long should the collard greens simmer?
The greens should simmer for about 2 hours.
What type of pot is best for cooking this recipe?
A large cast iron pot is recommended for this recipe.
How many ham hocks are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 large ham hocks.
Can I use a meat other than ham hocks?
Yes, you can use bacon or another smoked pork product.
How many hot peppers should I add?
The recipe uses 3 chopped hot peppers.
Should I remove the stems from the collard greens?
No, the instructions specify not to cut up the stems.
How much vinegar is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of vinegar.
How much water is added to the pot?
You should add 1/4 cup of water.
How long should I saute the onions?
Saute the chopped onion for about 5 minutes or until translucent.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is heating 1 teaspoon of oil in a large cast iron pot and sauteing the onion.
How should I add the greens to the pot?
Add the greens one handful at a time, stirring to ensure they are coated in the liquid.
What happens if the greens overflow the pot initially?
It is okay if they overflow initially because they will wilt down significantly as they cook.
What setting should the heat be on for simmering?
The heat should be reduced to low once the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
Should the pot be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the pot while letting the greens simmer for 2 hours.
How often should I stir the greens during the simmer?
You should stir the greens occasionally and taste periodically to check for seasoning.
Is this recipe considered soul food?
Yes, it is tagged as soul food and a southern recipe.
Can I use store-bought greens?
Yes, this recipe is designed to elevate even store-bought greens to gourmet levels.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be a large size and chopped.
What suggested side pairs well with this dish?
It is recommended to enjoy this dish with cornbread or over a bed of rice.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients used in this recipe.
What seasonings are added to the liquid mixture?
Salt and black pepper are added to the mixture of water, vinegar, and hot peppers.
How long do I render the juice from the smoked meat?
Allow the smoked pork product to render its juices for about 5 minutes while stirring.
What type of oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of oil for sauteing.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.