Collards Southern Style Recipe
Description:
Oh, I grew up watching my Nanny and Momma cooking collards… Watching them I knew cooking was an art. Nothing is exact but almost perfect in the end. This Collards Southern Style recipe embodies the rich culinary heritage of Southern cooking, where flavors are nurtured slowly over time, resulting in a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Cook Time: 5 hours
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
Keywords:
Greens, Vegetable, Very Low Carbs, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Weeknight, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 meaty ham hock
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Water
- 2 bunches of collard greens
- Optional: chopped onions, turnips, mustard greens, turnip greens, spinach
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Boil Water with Ham Hock: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the meaty ham hock, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer, allowing the flavors to infuse into the water. |
| 2 | Prepare Collard Greens: While the water is boiling, prepare the collard greens. Cut off the tough ends and discard. Wash the leaves thoroughly under cold water, ensuring to clean both sides of each leaf. Remove the stems by tearing them away from the middle of the leaf. |
| 3 | Chop Collard Greens: Lay several collard leaves together and roll them tightly. Then, starting from one end, thinly slice the leaves, creating ribbons of collards. Continue until all the collards are chopped. |
| 4 | Add Collard Greens to Pot: Once the water is simmering and the ham hock has flavored the broth, add a handful of chopped collard greens to the pot. Continue adding more collards until all are in the pot. |
| 5 | Simmer Collards: Cover the pot and let the collards simmer gently over low heat for several hours. Check periodically and add water as needed to keep the collards submerged. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired during the cooking process. |
| 6 | Enhance Flavor (Optional): For added depth of flavor, consider adding chopped onions, turnips, mustard greens, turnip greens, or spinach to the pot. These ingredients can elevate the taste profile of the collards and add variety to the dish. |
| 7 | Serve and Enjoy: Once the collards are tender and infused with flavor, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them hot as a side dish alongside your favorite Southern fare. The taste is sure to evoke fond memories of home-cooked meals and cherished family gatherings. |
Footnote:
I almost forgot! Pecans are a fantastic addition to this recipe. They not only add a delightful crunch but also help neutralize any strong odors during the cooking process. Don’t miss out on this delicious and aromatic twist to your Collards Southern Style!
So gather your ingredients, channel the spirit of generations past, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates tradition and flavor. With this Collards Southern Style recipe, you’ll bring the warmth and soul of Southern cooking to your table, one comforting bite at a time. 🍽️
