What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade collard greens recipe brings the comfort of Southern cooking right to your kitchen. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
You’ll love how easy it is to make with just a handful of ingredients. The smoky bacon adds richness, while the tender greens soak up all the delicious flavors. Plus, it’s a dish that gets even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.
Recipe
Collard greens are a classic Southern dish known for their hearty flavor and tender texture. This simple recipe uses basic ingredients to create a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 large bunch of collard greens (about 2 pounds)
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 smoked ham hock or turkey leg
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Wash the collard greens thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, combine water or broth, ham hock or turkey leg, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the chopped collard greens to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the greens are tender. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the ham hock or turkey leg, shred the meat, and return it to the pot if desired.
Notes:
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock or turkey leg and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cuisine:
Southern
Serving:
6-8 servings
Nutrition
This homemade collard greens recipe is nutritious and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Below is a breakdown of the nutrition per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 49 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 178 mg |
| Total Carbs | 6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 308% DV |
| Vitamin C | 35% DV |
| Calcium | 14% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my collard greens with classic Southern sides, like cornbread or mac and cheese, because they balance the greens’ rich flavor perfectly. If you’re looking for something heartier, try pairing them with smoked meats, fried chicken, or black-eyed peas for extra protein. Trust me, these combos turn a simple dish into a meal you’ll crave again and again.
Classic Southern Sides
When you’re serving up a big pot of collard greens, you’ll want sides that balance their rich, savory flavor. I always turn to classic Southern sides like creamy mac and cheese, its gooey texture pairing perfectly with the greens’ bold taste. Cornbread is a must—its slight sweetness and crumbly texture cut through the richness. Don’t forget a tangy coleslaw for a revitalizing crunch or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the potlikker. And if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add slow-cooked candied yams for a touch of sweetness. These sides make the meal feel complete and oh-so-satisfying.
Protein Pairing Options
Collard greens taste even better when paired with the right protein—it’s like they’re begging for a flavorful partner! I love serving them with smoked turkey legs or ham hocks; the smoky richness blends perfectly with the greens’ earthy flavor. Fried chicken’s crispy skin and juicy meat are another classic match, adding a satisfying crunch. For something lighter, grilled fish like salmon or catfish works wonders, balancing the dish with its flaky texture. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss in some black-eyed peas or serve greens next to cornbread-stuffed pork chops. Each pairing makes the meal feel complete and keeps me coming back for seconds!
