Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks

Now that’s real-deal comfort food 🥬🔥
Here’s a classic Southern-style Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks—slow, savory, and full of soul.

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Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks

Ingredients

• 2 lbs collard greens
• 1–2 smoked ham hocks
• 1 tbsp oil or bacon fat
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6–8 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances bitterness)
• ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Salt & black pepper (go easy at first—ham is salty)

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Instructions

1. Prep the greens
   Wash collards thoroughly (they hide grit).
   Remove tough stems and chop.
2. Start the flavor
   In a large pot, heat oil/bacon fat.
   Sauté onion until soft, add garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Simmer the ham hocks
   Add ham hocks and broth.
   Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer 45–60 minutes until tender.
4. Add collards
   Stir in collard greens (they’ll look like too much—trust the process).
   Cover and simmer 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish
   Add vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
   Taste before adding salt.
   Optional: pull meat from hocks, chop, and return to pot.

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Pro Tips 🧠

• The pot liquor (broth) is gold—serve with cornbread.
• Longer simmer = softer, more traditional greens.
• Want extra smokiness? Add a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika.

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Variations

• 🐖 No ham hocks? Use smoked turkey legs/wings
• 🌶️ Spicy? Add chopped jalapeño or more red pepper
• 🧄 Extra depth? A dash of Worcestershire sauce

If you want a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or quick weeknight version, just say the word 😌