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September 20, 2024
Collard greens are a highly nutritious and delicious leafy green vegetable that is often enjoyed in Southern cuisine. When paired with savory ham hock, the flavors meld together to create a comforting and hearty dish. This traditional recipe is easy to prepare and is perfect for any time of the year.
To start, you will need a large bunch of fresh collard greens. Look for greens that are vibrant in color and have crisp leaves. It is important to wash the greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Next, remove the tough stems from the greens and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
In a large pot, add a ham hock along with the chopped collard greens. The ham hock will add a rich and smoky flavor to the dish. Fill the pot with water, making sure that the greens and ham hock are fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Allow the collard greens to simmer for about an hour, or until they are tender.
Once the collard greens are tender, remove the ham hock from the pot and set it aside to cool. Use a fork or your hands to pull the meat from the bone. Chop the meat into small pieces and add it back to the pot with the collard greens. Season the dish with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
To serve, ladle the collard greens and ham hock into bowls. This dish pairs well with cornbread and is a fantastic side dish to fried chicken or barbecue. The collard greens will be tender and flavorful, while the ham hock adds a delicious smoky taste. Enjoy!
How to Cook Collard Greens with Ham Hock
Collard greens with ham hock is a classic Southern dish that brings together the flavors of tender greens and smoky ham. This recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty and flavorful comfort food.
To make this dish, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| 1 bunch of collard greens | 1. Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly. Remove any tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. |
| 1 ham hock | 2. In a large pot, place the ham hock and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the ham hock is tender. |
| 1 onion, diced | 3. While the ham hock is simmering, dice the onion. |
| 2 cloves of garlic, minced | 4. Mince the garlic cloves. |
| 2 tablespoons of olive oil | 5. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent. |
| Salt and pepper to taste | 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ham hock will add saltiness to the dish, so be careful not to oversalt. |
| 1 cup of chicken broth | 7. Add the torn collard greens to the skillet and sauté them until they begin to wilt. |
| Hot sauce (optional) | 8. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let the collard greens cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender. |
| 9. If desired, add a few dashes of hot sauce to add some heat to the dish. | |
| 10. Serve the collard greens with ham hock hot and enjoy! |
This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people, depending on the portion size. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course with cornbread or rice. The combination of the tender collard greens and the rich flavor of the ham hock makes this dish a true Southern classic.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make collard greens with ham hock:
| Ingredients | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Collard greens | 2 pounds |
| Ham hock | 1 |
| Onion | 1 medium-sized |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Make sure to gather all the ingredients before you start cooking.
Instructions
1. Start by rinsing the collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Remove any tough stems and tear the leaves into smaller pieces.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they are soft and translucent.
3. Add the chopped ham hock to the pot and cook for a few minutes until it begins to brown.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the ham hock is tender.
5. Add the collard greens to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the broth. Cover the pot and cook for about 1 hour or until the greens are tender.
6. Stir in the cider vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, uncovered.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Optional: You can serve the collard greens with ham hock alongside some cornbread or rice for a complete meal.
Tips for Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, there are a few important steps to take to ensure your collard greens with ham hock dish turns out deliciously.
- First, it is crucial to properly clean the collard greens. Use cool water to wash the leaves thoroughly, making sure to remove any dirt or debris.
- Next, remove the tough stems from the collard greens. Fold each leaf in half and cut along the stem to remove it. Discard the stems and set the leaves aside.
- Rinsing the ham hock before cooking is essential to remove any excess salt or impurities. Rinse the ham hock under cool water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- To infuse the collard greens with maximum flavor, it is advisable to brown the ham hock before adding it to the cooking pot. This step will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- After browning the ham hock, it is time to cook the collard greens. Make sure to chop the leaves into small, bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
- When adding the collard greens to the pot, mix them well with the ham hock and other ingredients. This will ensure that the flavors blend together harmoniously.
- Simmer the collard greens with ham hock on low heat for an extended period of time to allow the flavors to develop fully. The longer the greens cook, the more tender and flavorful they will become.
- Lastly, make sure to taste the dish before serving. Adjust the seasonings accordingly, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
By following these tips for preparation, you will be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering collard greens with ham hock dish that will impress your family and friends.
Serving Suggestions
Collard greens with ham hock make for a delicious and hearty meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
1. Cornbread
Pair your collard greens with a side of warm, homemade cornbread. The sweet and savory flavors of the cornbread complement the rich and smoky flavors of the collard greens. Consider adding a dollop of butter or honey to the cornbread for an extra touch of indulgence.
2. Fried Chicken
For a Southern-inspired feast, serve your collard greens alongside crispy fried chicken. The combination of the tender collard greens and the crunchy chicken creates a satisfying contrast in texture. The flavors of the ham hock in the greens also pair exceptionally well with the savory and seasoned chicken.
Both of these serving suggestions are sure to impress your guests and enhance the overall dining experience. Enjoy your delicious collard greens with ham hock in the company of delightful sides.
Nutritional Information
Collard greens are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Here is the nutritional information for a serving size of 1 cup (190g) of cooked collard greens with ham hock:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 62 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Calcium | 226mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
| Potassium | 309mg |
| Vitamin A | 9656IU |
| Vitamin C | 35mg |
These nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and the cooking method.
Overall, collard greens with ham hock can be a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet. They are low in calories and fat, but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy them as a side dish or incorporate them into your favorite recipes for a healthy boost.
Q&A
What are collard greens?
Collard greens are leafy green vegetables that have thick, sturdy leaves. They are a member of the cabbage family and have a slightly bitter taste.
What is ham hock?
Ham hock is the joint between the pig’s leg and its foot. It is a tough and flavorful cut of meat that adds a rich and smoky taste to dishes.
Why should I cook collard greens with ham hock?
Adding ham hock to collard greens infuses them with a delicious smoky flavor and helps to tenderize the tough leaves. It also adds saltiness and richness to the dish.
How do I cook collard greens with ham hock?
To cook collard greens with ham hock, start by rinsing and chopping the greens. In a large pot, simmer the ham hock with some water or broth until it is tender. Remove the ham hock and add the collard greens to the pot. Cook them for about an hour until they are tender. Then, remove the meat from the ham hock and add it back to the pot with the collard greens. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Cook for another few minutes and serve hot.