Southern Collard Greens Ham Hocks

Collard greens with ham hocks are a southern tradition. These greens are tender and flavorful. Homemade southern style greens are not difficult to make, though they do take a little time.  

This southern collards with ham hocks recipe is a great way to get in your greens. Collard greens are very nutritious and have even more vitamins than kale. They also contain calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and fiber. These collard green calories are lower than many other greens, but they're packed with nutrients.

I have a good friend that lives in the south, and she was telling me how greens are serious business in the south. She said everyone makes their greens slightly different but no matter who makes them they are always delicious.

When I went to visit her a few months ago,  I not only got a chance to try her very delicious homemade southern collard greens, but I was also able to watch her prepare them. She cooked them with some smoked ham hock and chicken stock (which is what this recipe calls for as well).

I wrote down the way she cooked her greens, and came home to recreate them for Ken. He loved them, and I thought I would share with our readers the secret to true southern style collard greens with ham hocks.  I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

What do collard greens with ham hocks taste like

Collard greens have a slightly earthy taste. They're like kale without the bitterness and are more tender than their cousin, cabbage.

How do I pick fresh collards greens

To pick fresh greens at your local grocery store or farm stand, you want to choose collard greens that are bright green and attached to a fairly thick stem. Avoid any bunches with yellowing leaves, tiny holes or brown spots.

Do I need to remove the stems from collard greens

Yes, you need to remove the stems from collard greens before cooking them. For bunches with long stalks and wide leaves, simply cut out the stalk in the middle of each leaf. This stem is usually too tough to eat anyway, so there's no point in bringing it into your kitchen.

You can leave the smaller stems in, they won't hurt your collard greens taste at all.

How do I wash greens

Rinsing your greens is a very important step. Collard greens are very dirty and you don't want to eat dirt! Fill up your sink with cold water, then let the collard leaves soak for a few minutes. Swish them around and watch all of the dirt fall to the bottom.

Scoop out your clean collards greens and then repeat this step until your water is completely clean when you remove the collard greens. This usually takes about three to four washes for me.

Collard Greens Calories

The number of calories in collard greens depends on how they are cooked. If you steam them, boil or microwave them the calorie count remains about the same: 32 calories per one cup serving (cooked). If you add a fat like ham hocks or bacon grease to your collard greens that will change the calories.

What are ham hocks

A ham hock is a piece of the pig's leg that contains portions of the muscles, bones and connective tissues. Since this cut of meat is tough (partially due to the high amount of collagen in it) it's usually slow cooked so that all its flavor and tenderness can be released.

How do I cook ham hocks

To cook ham hocks you need to first soak them in cold water for about an hour. Drain off the water, then place the ham hocks in a large pot (or slow cooker) and fill it with enough cold water to cover them about three inches. Add a couple teaspoons of salt and bring this to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover the pot and let them go until they are tender but not falling off of the bone (about 3 hours).

Remove ham hocks from the pot and allow them to cool. Once cool you can easily remove any fat that's been rendered off of them (just trim it with a knife), and then return your ham hocks to the pot with your collard greens.

If you want to take the easy way out, you can purchase already smoked or precooked ham hocks to save time.  I hope you get a chance to make these southern style collard green with ham hocks soon!

Where do I buy ham hocks

You can buy fresh ham hocks from your local butcher, or you can purchase smoked ones online.

How do I serve collard greens

Serve them with vinegar in a little bowl (so that your guests can add it to their taste) and maybe some hot sauce too!

What goes good with collard greens with ham hocks

Collard greens are great served with cornbread, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken or any type of southern fried meat like catfish.

Ingredients for Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

• 2 Ham Hocks
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 64 ounces Unsalted Chicken Stock
• 2 Tablespoons Garlic powder
• 2 Tablespoons Onion powder
• 2 pounds Collard Greens bagged already chopped and rinsed for you!
• 1 Tablespoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh black pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

How to Make Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

Score the ham hocks in a diamond pattern, cutting through the skin to expose the meat. In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the oil and sear the ham hocks on all sides, about 5 minutes total.

Add the chicken stock, garlic powder, and onion powder, stir in the seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 2 hours. Take the ham hocks out and place them on a plate to cool.

While the ham hocks cool, add the collards to the pot. Stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Once the ham hocks are cool to the touch, pick the meat off the bone. Discard the bone, skin, and gristle. Add the meat to the pot with the collards at any time.

Add the butter and stir it in. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Tips:

• I cannot stress enough that unsalted chicken stock must be used. The ham hock and seasoned salt add the perfect amount of salt, if salted stock is used it will be overly salted.
• Do not use frozen or canned collard greens for this recipe.  Fresh only.

Collard greens are a great dish to enjoy during the winter months. This southern tradition is rich in flavor and nutrients, but it can be difficult to prepare without experience or guidance.

Fortunately, with this recipe you'll get all of the steps for cooking collards just right!  The ham hocks give these hearty greens an extra dimension of smoky meaty goodness that will make them one-of-a-kind on your dinner table.

Whether you're hosting friends over for game night or looking for something different than macaroni and cheese (I know I am!), consider giving this traditional dish a try tonight! Let me know in the comments below if you make these delicious collard greens.

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