Description
This Southern Collard Greens recipe is slow-simmered to perfection with smoky meat, aromatic onions and garlic, and a balance of heat, tang, and sweetness. A classic comfort dish from the South, these greens are tender, flavorful, and perfect as a side for any soul food feast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 2 lbs smoked meat (ham hocks or turkey wings)
- 1 large white onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6–8 cups chicken stock or broth, as needed
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 lbs collard greens, cleaned, stems removed, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add smoked meat and cook for a few minutes to release flavor.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in chicken stock, ensuring the smoked meat is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the broth.
- Stir in hot sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add collard greens in batches, stirring until they wilt and fit into the pot.
- Cover partially and simmer on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and flavorful.
- Adjust seasoning with more hot sauce, salt, or pepper as desired.
- Serve warm with cornbread or alongside your favorite Southern dishes.
Notes
- The longer the greens simmer, the more flavorful and tender they’ll become.
- If you prefer a smokier taste, add extra smoked turkey wings or ham hocks.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked meat and use smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: southern collard greens, slow simmered greens, collard greens with smoked meat, soul food greens recipe, southern side dish