Best Ever Collard Greens Recipe

Overview:

This Best Ever Collard Greens recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when simplicity meets flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, a bit of patience, and a lot of love, you’ll create a dish that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy weeknight meal or as a star side dish at your Thanksgiving feast, these collard greens are guaranteed to steal the show. Plus, with the added bonus of smoked ham hocks, this recipe brings a depth of savory goodness that will have your taste buds singing!

Recipe Details:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Cuisine: Southern
• Keywords: Pork, Greens, Vegetable, Meat, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 4-6 bunches of fresh collard greens, washed and chopped

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 118.7
• Total Fat: 2.4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 792.8mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16.2g
• Dietary Fiber: 8.2g
• Sugars: 2.4g
• Protein: 11.1g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by washing and chopping your fresh collard greens, ensuring they’re free from any dirt or debris. Finely chop the onion and gather the remaining ingredients.

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2. Heat the Chicken Broth: In a large, sturdy pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat until it starts to simmer gently. This will serve as the flavorful base for your collard greens.

3. Add the Aromatics: Once the broth is heated, add in the bay leaves and finely chopped onion, allowing them to infuse their delicious flavors into the broth.

4. Introduce the Smoked Ham Hocks: Carefully add the smoked ham hocks to the pot, nestling them down into the broth and aromatics. These flavorful additions will impart a rich, smoky essence to your collard greens as they simmer.

5. Incorporate the Collard Greens: Gradually add the chopped collard greens to the pot, allowing them to wilt down slightly as they come into contact with the hot broth. Stir gently to ensure all the greens are coated in the flavorful liquid.

6. Simmer to Perfection: If the broth level doesn’t fully cover the greens, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water to ensure they’re adequately submerged. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the collard greens simmer gently for about 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the greens to become tender.

7. Check and Stir: Periodically check on the collard greens, giving them a gentle stir to ensure they’re cooking evenly and none are sticking to the bottom of the pot. If needed, you can adjust the heat to maintain a steady simmer.

8. Final Touch: After about 3 hours of simmering, your collard greens should be tender and infused with flavor. Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding salt and pepper to taste.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your Best Ever Collard Greens to a serving dish, allowing their enticing aroma to fill the air. Serve them up alongside your favorite Southern dishes, such as cornbread, fried chicken, or black-eyed peas, for a meal that celebrates the comforting flavors of the South.

10. Store for Later: If you have any leftovers (though they’re sure to be minimal!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before enjoying them again.

Tips and Variations:

• Turnip Twist: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding some diced turnip root along with the smoked ham hocks. The turnips will cook down alongside the collard greens, infusing them with their unique earthy sweetness.
• Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the pot along with the other seasonings. This will give your collard greens a subtle kick that’s sure to wake up your taste buds.
• Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the smoked ham hocks. You can still achieve incredible flavor by incorporating other savory ingredients such as smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: If you find yourself with an abundance of collard greens, you can freeze them for later enjoyment. Simply allow the cooked greens to cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

With this Best Ever Collard Greens recipe in your culinary arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to whip up a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of comfort, these collard greens are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor the soul-warming goodness of this Southern classic! 🌿🥓🍽️