Southern Collard Greens

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If you’re craving hearty comfort food from the South, look no further than Southern Collard Greens. This soul food classic is rich, smoky, and seasoned to perfection — the kind of dish that brings families together and warms the heart.

Whether you’re serving them with cornbread, fried chicken, or black-eyed peas, collard greens are a staple you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh collard greens, washed, stemmed, and chopped
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon (or 1 smoked ham hock or turkey leg)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (balances bitterness)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon or Ham Hock
    In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings. If using a ham hock or smoked turkey leg, brown it in a bit of oil to render flavor.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic
    Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add Broth and Seasonings
    Pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Add the bacon or return the ham hock/turkey leg to the pot.
  4. Add the Collard Greens
    Gradually stir in the chopped collard greens, letting them wilt as you go. They will shrink down significantly.
  5. Simmer Low and Slow
    Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer they cook, the more flavorful and tender they become.
  6. Taste and Adjust
    Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. If you used a ham hock or turkey leg, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and stir it back in.

Tips for Perfect Collard Greens

  • Remove the stems if you prefer a softer texture.
  • Want it spicier? Add a splash of hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes.
  • For vegetarian greens, skip the meat and use olive oil with a smoky seasoning like smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestions

Southern collard greens pair perfectly with:

  • Cornbread
  • Fried chicken
  • Mac and cheese
  • Black-eyed peas
  • Mashed potatoes

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