Soulful Collard Greens Ham Hocks Recipe

Are you ready to experience the authentic taste of the South? We have the perfect recipe for you – a soulful collard greens ham hocks recipe that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Southern cuisine. But what makes this recipe truly special? How do you achieve that perfect balance of tender collard greens and smoky ham hocks? Let’s dive in and discover the secrets behind this classic Southern dish.

Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and when paired with ham hocks, they create a dish that is rich in flavor and depth. Our recipe combines fresh collard greens, smoked ham hocks, and a few simple ingredients to create a soulful dish that will warm your heart and soul.

But what sets this recipe apart from others? How do you achieve that perfect texture and taste? It’s all about the ingredients and the cooking process. We’ll guide you through the steps, from choosing the right ingredients to perfectly cooking the collard greens with ham hocks.

So let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Grab your apron and join us in the kitchen as we unravel the secrets of this mouthwatering collard greens ham hocks recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this soulful collard greens ham hocks recipe, we’ll need a variety of flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Collards: Make sure to use fresh collard greens for this recipe, as frozen or canned greens may not have the same texture or taste.
• Onion: Choose a yellow or white onion for its mild flavor that complements the dish.
• Garlic: Garlic cloves add a delightful aromatic element to the collard greens.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Smoked Ham Hock: The smoky flavor from the smoked ham hock is essential to achieving the authentic taste of these soulful collard greens.
• Salt and Ground Black Pepper: These common seasonings will enhance the savory profile of the recipe.
• Vinegar: Choose either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to add a tangy bite.
• Hot Sauce: Add some heat and depth of flavor with a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Once you’ve gathered all these ingredients, you’ll be ready to start cooking your delicious soulful collard greens with ham hocks.

Step By Step Instructions

To make these soulful collard greens with ham hocks, start by washing and chopping the collard greens. Then, in a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the water, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked ham hocks. Bring the mixture to a boil before adding the prepared collard greens. Reduce the heat and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally. Remove the ham hocks, let them cool, and shred the meat. Return the meat to the pot and add vinegar and hot sauce. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. Serve warm with cornbread.

Now let’s dive into the step by step instructions for cooking these authentic Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to create a soulful and flavorful side dish that will complement any meal.

1. Prepare the Collard Greens: Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once they are clean, chop the greens into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the water, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked ham hocks. These ingredients will create a rich and savory base for the collard greens.
3. Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. This will help release the flavors from the ham hocks and infuse them into the broth.
4. Add the Collard Greens: Once the mixture is boiling, add the prepared collard greens to the pot. Stir well to ensure that the greens are fully submerged in the broth.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the collard greens simmer for about one hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to distribute the flavors throughout the dish.
6. Remove and Shred the Ham Hocks: After an hour of simmering, remove the ham hocks from the pot and set them aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the meat from the hocks and discard any bones or excess fat.
7. Return Meat to the Pot: Return the shredded ham hock meat to the pot of collard greens. This will add a smoky and meaty flavor to the dish.
8. Add Vinegar and Hot Sauce: To enhance the flavors of the collard greens, add vinegar (apple cider or white) and hot sauce to taste. These ingredients will add tanginess and a hint of heat.
9. Continue Cooking: Allow the collard greens to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once the collard greens are tender and flavorful, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the dish warm, alongside some traditional Southern cornbread or sweet potato cornbread.

Enjoy these delicious and authentic Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks as a side dish or as a star of your meal. The combination of tender collard greens and smoky ham hocks will transport you to the heart of Southern cooking.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

If you’re new to preparing fresh collard greens, there are a few tricks that can help you get the most out of your greens.

1. How to Prepare Fresh Collard Greens: Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. You can wash them before or after cutting them, but make sure to be thorough.
2. How to Remove Stems from Collard Greens: To remove the stems, fold the collard greens leaf in half lengthwise, then separate the stem from the leaf. This will make your greens more tender and easier to cook.
3. How to Locate Smoked Ham Hocks: If you’re having trouble finding smoked ham hocks, don’t worry. Simply ask your local butcher for assistance, and they’ll be able to help you find what you need.
4. Storage and Freezing Tips for Collard Greens: If you have leftovers, you can store your collard greens in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to prepare and enjoy delicious collard greens with ease. Now let’s move on to some other tasty recipes you might enjoy.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this soulful collard greens ham hocks recipe, you’re in for a treat with more delicious options. Expand your culinary repertoire with Grandma’s Southern Collard Greens, a cherished family recipe that will transport you to the heart of the South. Or, for a twist on tradition, try collard greens with smoked turkey, a flavorful alternative that will satisfy your taste buds.

No soul food feast is complete without a side of warm and buttery cornbread. Explore our collection of cornbread recipes and find the perfect companion for your collard greens. Whether you prefer the traditional Southern cornbread or want to experiment with variations like jalapeno cornbread or cheddar cornbread, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re craving more soul food classics, our extensive selection of soul food recipes will inspire you. From mouthwatering fried chicken to savory black-eyed peas and macaroni and cheese, we have all the beloved dishes that define Southern comfort food. Dive into the rich flavors and comforting goodness and experience the true essence of soul food.