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Southern Style Collard Greens

In this post I am sharing how to make Southern Style Collard Greens.
 
Collard greens are a favorite winter crop in the South and a new year dinner tradition to bring luck in the coming year.
 
I can’t recall a first dinner in the new year that didn’t involve freshly cooked collard greens, black eyed peas, pork of some sort and a fresh cake of cornbread. Hoppin’ John is another traditional recipe for a Southern new year’s day meal.
 
The art of preparing the collard greens is a ritual in itself. The washing in a cold tub of water to remove the dirt and sand, slow stewing the greens for the ultimate savory meal.
 

Soul Food Collard Greens Recipe

 
List of Ingredients you’ll need:
 
  • 1 large Ham Hock or Country Ham Cooking Pieces. You can also use a smoked turkey leg if you have one frozen from your Christmas dinner.
  • 1 large bunch of Collard Greens
  • Salt
  • Cracked Black Pepper
  • Onion Powder
  • Bacon Grease
  • Butter
  • 1 pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • 8 cups of chicken stock
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1/2 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Tobasco Sauce, for serving (optional)

Potlikker, the vitamin-rich broth left over from slow stewing a pot of greens with smoked pork, is liquid gold in the American South.

Vivian Howard

How Do You Cook Fresh Collard Greens?

How to make the best Southern Style Collard Greens - soul food - new year traditions
Wash collards, remove leaves and chop.
 
In a large pot heat the bacon grease and butter until melted.
 
Next, add the ham hock or seasoning meat of your choice.
 
Add  collards, chicken stock, apple cider vinegar and water then add the seasonings. Cook for 2 hours or until desired tenderness.
 
Serve collard greens hot and with a few dashes of Tobasco. 

Recipe Southern Collard Greens

Southern Collard Greens for New Year's Meal
“Potlikker, the vitamin-rich broth left over from slow stewing a pot of greens with smoked pork, is liquid gold in the American South. My mom used to drink it from a tea cup with the same attention I might sip a glass of fine Barolo.” ….”Potlikker heals … I’m sure of it. In fact, it’s probably the next bone broth!”~ Chef Vivian Howard

Southern Style Collard Greens

Southern Style Collard Greens Recipe, a new year's dinner tradition for good luck
4.28 from 11 votes
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Southern Style Collard Greens

Southern Style Collard Greens are a savory soul food meal and a new year’s day tradition throughout the South.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 1 Pot of Collards
Calories: 148kcal
Author: Julia Jordan

Ingredients

  • 1 large Ham Hock or Country Ham Cooking Pieces. You can also use a smoked turkey leg if you have one frozen from your Christmas dinner.
  • 1 large bunch of Collard Greens
  • 1 tbs Salt
  • 1 tsp cracked Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Bacon Grease
  • 3 tbs Butter
  • 1 pinch of Red Pepper Flakes optional
  • 8 cups of chicken stock
  • 4 cups of water
  • 1/2 tbs Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Tobasco Sauce for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Fill a large sink basin or tub with clean cool water. Soak the leaves of the collard greens being sure not to over crowd. Clean in batches.
  • Remove the leaves from the thick stalks then roll the leaves and slice into strips.
  • In a large stock pot, heat the bacon fat and butter until melted over medium heat.
  • Add the seasoning meat to the pot then add the collard greens.
  • Add the stock, water, and apple cider vinegar then season.
  • Stew the collard greens for two or more hours until the desired tenderness is reached.

Nutrition

Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 1159mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g
Southern collard greens recipe

See it at:
Weekend Potluck
Meal Plan Monday
Full Plate Thursday

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Meet Julia

Author of Julia's Simply Southern

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4.28 from 11 votes (4 ratings without comment)
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