Southern Soul: Savory Collard Greens Recipe 🌿

Mama’s Greens Recipe 🥬

Description: This is a Daughter of a Southern Woman Recipe. It has come down from women who can cook for 500 people or just you and your Mama. Enjoy!

Recipe Category: Collard Greens
Keywords: Greens, Vegetable, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, < 4 Hours, Easy

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 61.4
• Fat Content: 0.8g
• Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
• Cholesterol Content: 0mg
• Sodium Content: 34.6mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 11.9g
• Fiber Content: 6.2g
• Sugar Content: 1.4g
• Protein Content: 4.6g

Ingredients:

• 3 bunches of collard greens
• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• Water (1 1/2 quarts)
• Oil for sautéing

Instructions:

Preparation:

1. Wash the Greens: This step is crucial! Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly several times to remove any dirt or debris. Clean greens are essential for a delicious dish.

2. Prep the Greens: After washing, remove the tough veins and stems from the collard greens. Then, chop them coarsely into bite-sized pieces. This preparation ensures that the greens cook evenly and are easier to eat.

3. Sauté the Onions: Peel and slice the yellow onion. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they are soft and translucent. This step adds a flavorful base to the greens.

Cooking:

4. Combine Ingredients: Once the onions are soft, it’s time to add the prepared collard greens to the pot. Also, add the smoked ham hocks, hot sauce, and 1 1/2 quarts of water. The water will help to cook the greens and infuse them with flavor from the ham hocks.

5. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the greens cook gently until they are tender and flavorful. This usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the freshness and thickness of the greens.

6. Check Water Level: While the greens are simmering, keep an eye on the water level in the pot. You don’t want the greens to dry out, so add more water if needed to keep them moist and tender.

7. Remove and Shred Ham Hocks: After the greens are cooked and tender, carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot. Discard any excess fat and bones. Shred the meat from the ham hocks and return it to the pot with the greens. The tender, smoky ham adds a delicious flavor to the dish.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the ham hock meat is added back to the pot, give the greens a gentle stir to incorporate everything. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot as a side dish or as a main course with your favorite Southern accompaniments.

Tips:

• For an extra kick of flavor, you can add more hot sauce or spices according to your preference.
• This recipe is perfect for holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, but it’s also great for any weeknight meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated for additional meals.

Mama’s Greens recipe is a classic Southern dish that’s both comforting and delicious. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can enjoy this soul-warming dish any time of the year. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the flavors of the South with Mama’s Greens! 🌿🍽️