Southern Collard Greens

What You Need to Southern Collard Greens

• collard greens


• Some sort of smoky pork – bacon, ham hocks, ham shanks, or a leftover ham bone with some meat left on it.


• onion


• garlic


• chicken stock or broth


• salt


• black pepper


• sugar


• red pepper flakes


• white vinegar

How to make Country Style Collard Greens

Step 1. If you are using bacon. You can either cut in up in pieces or leave whole or in pieces large enough to pull out if you don’t want to leave them in. Or use a ham bone, hock or shank. Today, I am making mine with a ham shank. They all give that smoky flavor. You can leave the meat and shred up any cooked ham or take it out.

Whatever makes your belly happy! (I seriously, almost typed hammy – I must need more sleep) With that being said, if you are using bacon, add it to a Dutch oven or large pot to render some of the fat. (If you are using ham, we will add it in a bit).

Step 2. Cook about a minute on medium heat and then add in the onion. Let the onion cook about 1 minute and then add in the minced garlic. Let the garlic cook about 1 minute.

Step 3. Make sure your collards are clean and cut or torn into pieces and add them into the pot. Give them a good stir. Most grocery stores now carry them cut, cleaned all ready for you. I still always give another good rinsing before I use them.

Step 4. Next add in salt, black pepper, a pinch of sugar and a dash of red pepper flakes (or desired amount depending on the heat you like).

Step 5. Pour in chicken stock and add in ham bone, shank, or hock. Stir. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer (on my stove usually a medium to medium low heat depending on the pot I use). Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until tender.

Step 6. Stir in vinegar (optional) and serve.