Easy Homemade Collard Greens Recipe: A Southern Comfort Side Dish

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of slow-cooked collard greens to bring a sense of comfort and warmth to your kitchen. The hearty, slightly bitter greens balanced by smoky, savory flavors are a Southern staple, cherished in soul food traditions across generations. Whether served as a side dish or eaten with a hearty helping of cornbread, collard greens offer a taste of home that’s hard to beat.

Photo byCharles Uber

I grew up enjoying collard greens at every family gathering. My grandmother would prepare them with love, letting the greens simmer for hours until they were tender and bursting with flavor. The slow-cooked magic, along with the perfect balance of salt, smoke, and spice, is what made this dish a family favorite. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to her kitchen, watching the pot bubble on the stove while she shared stories of our family’s past.

If you’re new to collard greens or looking to perfect your method, this easy collard greens recipe will guide you through creating a soulful dish that’s rich in flavor and tradition.

A Little History on Collard Greens

Collard greens have deep roots in African-American soul food, where they were often paired with ingredients that brought a bold, smoky flavor to the dish, like ham hocks, smoked turkey, or bacon. Collards are native to the Mediterranean region but became a beloved staple in the Southern United States due to their hardy nature, making them ideal for growth in warm climates. Over time, they evolved into a symbol of Southern hospitality, resilience, and community.

Collard Greens Recipe: Smoky, Tender, and Full of Flavor

Ingredients:

• 2 large bunches of fresh collard greens (about 2 pounds), stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 cup of smoked turkey or bacon)
• 4 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a hint of tang)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (balances bitterness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the greens: Start by rinsing your collard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. After removing the thick stems, chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
3. Add the smoked meat: Stir in your smoked ham hock (or smoked turkey/bacon), allowing it to heat through with the onions and garlic. This step helps release the smoky flavors into the dish.
4. Cook the greens: Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring occasionally. You may need to add the greens in batches, allowing each one to wilt slightly before adding more.
5. Simmer: Pour the chicken broth over the greens and smoked meat, making sure the greens are mostly submerged in liquid. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine.
6. Low and slow: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the greens simmer for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer they cook, the more tender and flavorful they become. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve: Once the greens are tender and well-seasoned, remove the ham hock. You can shred the meat from the hock and stir it back into the greens or discard the bone. Serve hot, with cornbread on the side for the ultimate Southern experience.

Pro Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian version: Replace the smoked meat with smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Instant Pot option: You can reduce cooking time by using an Instant Pot. Sauté the onions and garlic, then add all ingredients and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
• Spice it up: For those who love a bit of heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving.

Pairing Suggestions:

Collard greens pair beautifully with a variety of soul food classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, or black-eyed peas. For a healthier meal, serve alongside baked chicken or grilled fish.

Collard greens are more than just a side dish; they are a symbol of comfort, family, and tradition. Every bite is a reminder of home, and with this easy recipe, you can bring a taste of the South into your own kitchen. Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with your friends and family.

If you enjoyed making these greens, please leave a comment below! Follow me for more soul food classics and comfort food recipes that will warm your heart and soul.

Sources:

Family Recipe