Southern Collard Green with Ham Hocks

Collard Greens with Ham Hocks is a traditional Southern comfort food side dish. This easy-to-make recipe requires only a few simple ingredients and is packed with flavor. Serve these delicious tender greens with a rack of ribs or crispy fried chicken for the perfect soul food dinner.

4.50 from 2 votes

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Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 4 30

Total Time: 4 35

Servings: servings

Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

2 Ham hocks smoked
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
8 cups Chicken stock unsalted
2 Tablespoons Garlic powder
2 tablespoons Onion powder
2 pounds Collard Greens cleaned, chopped
1 tablespoon Seasoned salt
1 teaspoon Black pepper
2 tablespoons Butter UNSALTED

Instructions

Score the ham hocks in a diamond pattern with a knife, 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 from the bone. Discard the bone, skin, and fat.
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.

Notes

Be sure to check that your greens are actually green. Don’t use yellow or bruised greens that are starting to turn brown.
Only use unsalted chicken broth. If you use broth with salt it will be too salty because of the ham hocks.
If you like them spicy, add in a shot of hot sauce, hot vinegar, or crushed red pepper flakes.

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