This is THE best Southern Collard Greens recipe, hands down! How can I say that, well, because it’s my mama’s recipe and if there is one thing she prides herself on (besides pound cakes, of course) it’s her collard greens. You’ve got fresh collard greens gently simmering, getting all tender and cozy in a hearty, delicious pot likker. And this ain’t just any pot likker (not sure what that is – you’ll want to look it up!) – it is PACKED with the rich flavors of smoky ham hock and onions, seasoned just right to tickle your taste buds. Sure, there’s more than one way to whip up some collard greens, but down here my mama and I swear by this method. Low, slow, and with a whole lotta love!
This is the best recipe I have found! Perfect blend of heat, sweet and spice. Family can’t get enough. The pot likker is downright drinkable! – Ellie
This Collard Greens recipe is a tribute to not only my childhood but to almost every other Southerner. I’ve watched the hands that groomed and raised me make collard greens for decades, and the entire process was always so magical. That’s exactly why I included my Big Mama (grandmother’s) and my mama’s hands in this post showing you how to make them too. The heritage and love associated with making greens for your family is something that can never be replaced!
We just love our greens, whether they be turnip, mustard, or collard. Just about every Southerner has a personal favorite and with such unique, individual flavors I don’t blame them. This is true Southern cooking at its finest! But in my opinion, traditional Southern collard greens are the most popular greens in the South. Give ’em a try and you’ll see what I’m talking about!
Combine onions, ham hocks, and garlic in a stockpot; add chicken broth. Cook mixture over medium heat until meat is falling off the bone, 1 to 2 hours. Stir collard greens, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper into the broth mixture; cook until greens have reached desired tenderness, about 2 more hours.
How To Store & Reheat This Collard Greens Recipe
Now that you’ve learned how to make the best southern collard greens recipe (not to brag, but… It is!), you have to learn how to keep its deliciousness for as long as possible. Your best bet is simply transfering them into an airtight container and popping it in the fridge And don’t forget about the pot likker – it’s liquid gold! Store any extra in a separate airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Reheating your Southern collard greens is a breeze! You’ve got two handy options: the stovetop or the microwave. For the stovetop, just pour the greens and a little pot likker into a pot and warm them over medium heat until heated through. Prefer the microwave? Place the greens in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until they’re just right.
Step 2: Cook the ham hock
- Rinse the ham hock very well and add it to a large pot with enough water to fully submerge it.
- Cook over medium-high heat until the ham hock is near being tender.
HOW TO MAKE EASY TENDER SOUTHERN STYLE COLLARD GREENS AND BACON
FAQ
How do you make collard greens not tough?
What does adding vinegar to collard greens do?
How long does it take greens to get tender?
How do you make collard greens tender?
One way to incorporate fats into your greens is by cooking them with a fatty meat such as smoked turkey or bacon. The fatty juices from the meat will break down the collard greens, making them more tender and juicy. Alternatively, you can cook the collard greens in a flavorful stock, adding in some butter or oil for extra tenderness.
How to freeze collard greens?
The best thing to do is to purchase frozen collard greens to get rid of some of the steps. If you have collard greens, you want to freeze you first want to partially cook them by steaming or boiling them in water. Make sure not to cook them too much because you don’t want them to be mushy. After they return to room temperature you can place them in a freezer safe ziploc bag and press out as much air as possible. You can then put them in the freezer, and they can last at least a few months.
How do you cook collard greens?
Roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference and recipe requirements. Finally, blanch the collard greens in boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes to soften them. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
How do you season Collard Greens?
Apple cider vinegar: The tanginess cuts through the fat of the bacon and smoked ham. Sugar: Sugar blunts any bitterness from the collard greens. Salt and pepper: For the final seasoning. You can buy collard greens all year, but they are harvested in the winter. The leafy greens are available at the grocery store or your local farmers’ market.