Here’s a soulful and savory recipe for Southern Collard Greens — simmered low and slow with smoky meat, onions, and a splash of vinegar. It’s comfort food at its finest and a staple on Southern tables, especially when paired with cornbread and fried chicken.
🥬 Southern Collard Greens
🧾 Ingredients:
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2 lbs fresh collard greens (about 2 large bunches), stems removed and leaves chopped
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1 large onion, chopped
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil or bacon grease
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1 smoked ham hock, smoked turkey leg, or 4 slices bacon
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6 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp sugar
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions:
🔹 1. Prep the Greens
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Rinse greens thoroughly (they can be gritty — wash 2–3 times if needed).
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Strip leaves from thick stems and roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
🔹 2. Sauté the Base
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil (or bacon grease) over medium heat.
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Add onions and cook until soft (5–6 minutes).
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Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
🔹 3. Add the Meat & Broth
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Add the ham hock, smoked turkey, or bacon.
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Pour in the chicken broth, then bring to a boil.
🔹 4. Add the Greens
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Add collards a few handfuls at a time, stirring until wilted.
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Once all greens are in, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
🔹 5. Season to Taste
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When the greens are very tender and flavorful, stir in:
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Apple cider vinegar
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Sugar
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Red pepper flakes (optional)
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Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Tip: Remove the ham hock or turkey leg, shred the meat, and stir it back into the pot before serving.
🍽️ Serve With:
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Cornbread (a must for soaking up the “pot liquor”)
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Hot sauce on the side
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Fried chicken, pork chops, or black-eyed peas
📝 Tips & Variations:
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Want to make it vegan? Skip the meat and use smoked paprika + vegetable broth for that smoky flavor.
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Don’t rush — low and slow makes the greens tender and full of flavor.
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Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Let me know if you want to pair this with a full Southern meal plan or need a slow cooker version!
