Memaw's Collard Greens

Dive into the comforting, soul-warming flavors of the South with Memaw’s Collard Greens, a timeless recipe steeped in tradition and rich, smoky goodness. This hearty dish features tender collard greens slow-simmered with savory ham hocks (or smoked turkey legs) in a flavorful broth infused with garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from sugar. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives just the right amount of heat, while the long cooking time melds the ingredients into a perfectly seasoned southern classic. Ideal as a side dish for family gatherings or holiday feasts, these collard greens pair beautifully with cornbread to soak up the irresistible "pot liquor." Whether you serve them as a comforting weeknight staple or a star side dish for festive occasions, this recipe is a true testament to Southern cooking at its finest.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds collard greens
• 2 pieces ham hocks (or smoked turkey legs)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease

Directions

Step 1

Wash the collard greens thoroughly by filling a large bowl or sink with water and soaking the leaves to remove any dirt or grit. Then, rinse them under running water and pat them dry.

Step 2

Remove the tough stems from the collard greens by cutting along each side of the stem with a knife. Discard the stems and roughly chop the leaves into medium-sized pieces.

Step 3

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or bacon grease over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5

Add the ham hocks (or smoked turkey legs) to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the chopped collard greens to the pot in batches, stirring to wilt them down as you go.

Step 7

Once all the greens are added, stir in the apple cider vinegar, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the collard greens simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The greens should be tender, and the flavors will fully meld together.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the ham hocks or turkey legs from the pot. Shred the meat, discard any bones, and return the meat to the pot if desired.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the collard greens hot, with some of the delicious pot liquor spooned over the top. These pair perfectly with cornbread or a slice of warm biscuit.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3544.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1863.1

Total Fat 111.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 333.2mg	0%
Sodium 11226.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 91.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.9g	0%
Total Sugars 26.9g
Protein 139.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1547.6mg	0%
Iron 22.2mg	0%
Potassium 4206.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.0%

Protein: 29.0%

Carbs: 19.0%