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    Home / Side Dish / Southern Collard Greens

    Southern Collard Greens

    Fresh collard greens are simmered low and slow with smoked ham hock until tender and infused with rich, savory flavor.

    ⏱ 15 minPrep time
    🔥 90 minCook time
    🍽 6Servings
    🏷 Side DishCategory
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    Collard greens have deep roots in African American Southern cooking, brought to the United States through the transatlantic slave trade and traditionally slow-simmered with smoked pork for flavor. They remain a beloved staple of Southern soul food, especially popular on New Year’s Day for their symbolism of prosperity.

    Slow-simmered, savory, and deeply Southern

    Fresh collard greens are simmered low and slow with smoked ham hock until tender and infused with rich, savory flavor.

    Step by stepInstructions

    1. In a large pot, combine the ham hock, onion, and chicken broth.
    2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 30 minutes to develop flavor.
    3. Add the collard greens in batches, letting them wilt down.
    4. Stir in the vinegar and red pepper flakes.
    5. Cover and simmer 45-60 minutes until the greens are very tender.
    6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    The vinegar cuts through the richness of the pork and brightens the dish — don't skip it. Save the flavorful cooking liquid, known as 'pot likker,' for dipping cornbread.

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    Recipe details

    Prep15 min
    Cook90 min
    Servings6
    CategorySide Dish
    PublishedAugust 12, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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