Savory Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hock
This hearty recipe for Southern-Style Collard Greens takes you on a comforting journey back to the South. Infused with rich flavors from the ham hock and gentle spices, these greens offer a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with cornbread or any soul food meal. Even the pickiest of eaters in your family will appreciate the tender bite and tantalizing flavors of this beloved tradition, making it a staple at our family gatherings.
6
Servings
50
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen collard greens
16 ounces (Thawed)
Sugar
1/2 tablespoon (None)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (None)
Vinegar
1 teaspoon (None)
Liquid smoke
1 dash (None)
Ham hock
1 (None)
Water
1 cup (None)
Instructions
1
If using frozen collard greens, thoroughly thaw the package. For fresh greens, rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
2
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the collard greens, sugar, salt, chopped onion, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, vinegar, liquid smoke, ham hock, and 1 cup of water.
3
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the greens are tender.
4
After the cooking time, carefully remove the ham hock. You can shred any remaining meat from the bone and stir it back into the greens for added flavor.
5
Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
3.7g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish in this recipe?
The dish is Savory Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hock, a traditional comforting side dish from the South.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Can I use fresh collard greens instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh greens. Just be sure to rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or grit before cooking.
How long do the collard greens need to simmer?
The greens should simmer for approximately 45 minutes until they are tender.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the recipe?
Sugar is added to help balance the natural bitterness of the collard greens.
What should I do with the ham hock after cooking?
You should carefully remove the ham hock, shred any remaining meat from the bone, and stir that meat back into the greens.
What are the calorie counts for this dish?
Each serving contains 50 calories.
What kind of flavor does liquid smoke provide?
Liquid smoke adds a deep, smoky essence that complements the ham hock and southern style of the dish.
How much fat is in a serving of these greens?
There are 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 3.7 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
Does this recipe include any spicy ingredients?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, and hot sauce can be added to taste at the end.
What suggested items pair well with these greens?
These greens pair perfectly with cornbread or any traditional soul food meal.
How much water is required for cooking?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of water.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of vinegar, which provides a necessary acidic tang to the greens.
Do I need to prep the onion specifically?
Yes, the onion should be chopped before being added to the saucepan.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What preparation is needed for frozen collard greens?
If using frozen greens, you must thoroughly thaw the package before cooking.
How much salt is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust seasoning to taste at the end.
What temperature should the greens be cooked at?
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low heat to simmer.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a family staple.
Can I adjust the seasonings at the end?
Absolutely. You can adjust the salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your personal preference before serving.
How many ounces of collard greens are used?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of collard greens.
Should the saucepan be covered while simmering?
Yes, cover the saucepan while simmering to help the greens become tender.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include collard greens, southern cooking, soul food, vegetable side dish, and comfort food.
What is the preparation method for the ham hock?
No specific preparation is needed before adding it to the pot, but the meat is shredded after the simmering process is complete.
How much red pepper flakes should be used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes.
How much liquid smoke is used?
Only one dash of liquid smoke is needed for the recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the water and seasonings.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a beloved tradition and a staple at family gatherings.