Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham: A Comforting Classic
Imagine the smell of a delicious Southern feast wafting through your home—this Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham recipe is just that kind of comfort food! Ideal for pairing with fried catfish or pulled pork, this dish also complements cornbread beautifully, allowing you to soak up the flavorful “pot likker” that’s left behind. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re truly living life to the fullest!
Ingredients
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 4-6 slices of bacon
- 8 cups fresh collard greens (rinsed, trimmed, and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
Directions
1. Prepare the Collard Greens
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure to give the collard greens a thorough rinse. Remove any thick stems and then either tear or chop the leaves into strips. This will ensure that the greens cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
2. Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they become translucent and the fat has rendered out. This process will take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet. Chop the bacon into small pieces.
3. Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Place the chopped bacon along with its drippings into the bottom of your crock pot. This will add a deep, smoky flavor to the greens. On top of the bacon, layer the chopped collard greens. Add the smoked ham hock, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the water, which will help cook the greens and create that coveted pot likker.
4. Cook the Greens
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours. The slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in tender, flavorful greens.
5. Finish and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the ham hock from the crock pot. Discard the skin and shred the meat, then return the shredded ham to the crock pot. Stir the greens to combine everything well.
To serve, you can add a finishing touch of minced onion and a splash of red wine vinegar for extra tang. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a few dashes of Tabasco sauce can be added to taste.
Enjoy these delicious collard greens and ham as a side dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Preparation and Cooking Times
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6 hours |
| Total Time | 6 hours 25 minutes |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 49.8
- Fat Content: 0.7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 324.7 mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.4 grams
- Fiber: 5.4 grams
- Sugar: 0.8 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering or weeknight dinner. Enjoy! 🌿🍲
