Side Dish

Southern Styled Collard Greens

Name: Southern Styled Collard Greens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Bundles Collards; 1 Turkey Leg or Ham Hock; 2 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 tablespoon pepper; 1 dash liquid smoke; 2 teaspoon Worcestershire; 2 teaspoon vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar or white vinegar); ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ cup finely chopped white onion

This recipe offers a traditional Southern side dish featuring tender collard greens infused with the rich, smoky flavor of a turkey leg or ham hock. The collard greens are thoroughly cleaned, chopped, and combined with the smoked meat and seasonings in a large pot simmered for 1 - 2 hours. This slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in tender, savory collard greens that embody Southern comfort food. Often enjoyed with cornbread, these greens are a staple at Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, and soul food feasts. Packed with nutrients and bold Southern flavors, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving authentic home-cooked goodness.

Prep 15 minCook 2hTotal 2h 15mCuisine American

Ingredients

2 BundlesCollards
1Turkey Leg or Ham Hock
2 tablespoonsugar
1 tablespoonsalt
1 tablespoonpepper
1 dashliquid smoke
2 teaspoonWorcestershire
2 teaspoonvinegar (I used apple cider vinegar or white vinegar)
¼ teaspoongarlic powder
¼ teaspoonsmoked paprika
¼ cupfinely chopped white onion

Instructions

1In a large pot, add your smoked turkey leg and cover with water or chicken stock. Start boiling for 30 to 45 minutes
2Dice half an onion
3Take your collards and remove the stems
4Roll several (4-5) leaves together and cut your leaves into even pieces
5Add your cut collard greens to a bowl and rinse with water. Move collard greens to an empty, clean bowl and rinse off again. Repeat process until water remains clean after rinsing.
6Add all ingredients(onion, salt, pepper, garlic powder, sugar, smoked paprika, vinegar, liquid smoke, red pepper flakes) in your pot with the smoked turkey leg
7Add additional chicken stock or water if needed. Should almost cover greens.
8Cook for 1-2 hours depending on your tenderness preference. I usually go for 2 hours. Your turkey leg should be tender about half way through so shred some of the meat to spread throughout the greens.
9Add in 1/4 stick(2 tbsp) butter right at the end as you turn your heat off and give a good stir.