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December 10, 2024
If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty Southern dish, look no further than frozen collard greens with ham hocks. This classic recipe combines the tender, leafy greens with flavorful ham hocks, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Collard greens are a type of dark, leafy green vegetable that are packed with vitamins and minerals. They have a slightly bitter taste, which is balanced out by the rich and smoky flavor of the ham hocks. The combination of the two creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made using frozen collard greens, making it a convenient option for those who don’t have access to fresh greens. The frozen greens still retain their nutrients and flavor, so you can enjoy the benefits of collard greens all year round.
To cook frozen collard greens with ham hocks, you’ll need a few simple ingredients, including the greens themselves, ham hocks, onions, garlic, and spices. The recipe involves simmering the ham hocks in a pot of water until they are tender, then adding the collard greens and cooking them until they are wilted and flavorful. The result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and is perfect for those cold winter nights.
So if you’re looking for a comforting and delicious Southern dish, give frozen collard greens with ham hocks a try. This recipe is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
How to Cook Frozen Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Collard greens are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that pairs perfectly with tender ham hocks. If you have a bag of frozen collard greens and some ham hocks on hand, you’re in luck! Cooking frozen collard greens with ham hocks is a simple and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a side or even a main course.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of frozen collard greens
- 2 ham hocks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ham hocks, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent and the ham hocks are slightly browned. This will help to bring out the flavors.
- Add the frozen collard greens to the pot, breaking them apart if they are clumped together. Stir well to combine with the onions, garlic, and ham hocks.
- Pour the chicken broth over the collard greens. The broth should cover the greens, so add more if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the collard greens have cooked down and become tender.
- After the collard greens are cooked and tender, remove the ham hocks from the pot. Pull the meat from the bones and chop into small pieces. Return the chopped ham hock meat to the pot, discarding the bones.
- Stir the collard greens and ham hocks together, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the cooked collard greens with ham hocks hot, alongside your favorite main dish or enjoy as a meal on its own.
Now you can enjoy the comforting and delicious flavors of collard greens with ham hocks, even if you started with frozen greens. This dish is sure to be a hit at your next family meal or gathering!
Choosing the Ingredients
When cooking frozen collard greens with ham hocks, it is important to choose high-quality ingredients to ensure a delicious and flavorful dish. Here are some tips for selecting the best ingredients:
1. Frozen collard greens: Look for a brand that uses fresh collard greens and freezes them at their peak freshness. Check the packaging for any added ingredients or preservatives.
2. Ham hocks: Opt for smoked or cured ham hocks for maximum flavor. Choose ones that are meaty and have a good amount of fat, as this will add richness to the dish.
3. Seasonings: Consider adding additional seasonings to enhance the flavor of the dish. Common choices include onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. You can also experiment with herbs and spices like thyme, paprika, or bay leaves.
4. Liquid: Depending on your preference, you can use water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth to cook the frozen collard greens. Using broth will add more depth of flavor to the dish.
By selecting high-quality ingredients, you set the foundation for a delicious and satisfying meal of frozen collard greens with ham hocks.
Prepping the Collard Greens
Before cooking frozen collard greens with ham hocks, it’s important to properly prep the greens to ensure they are clean and ready to be cooked. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Thaw the Collard Greens
If your collard greens are frozen, allow them to thaw completely before cooking. This can be done by transferring them from the freezer to the refrigerator and leaving them overnight, or by using the defrost setting on your microwave. Thawing the greens will make them easier to handle and cook evenly.
2. Wash the Collard Greens
Once the collard greens are thawed, it’s important to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Fill a sink or large bowl with cold water and add the collard greens. Swish them around in the water to dislodge any dirt, and then remove them from the water and shake off any excess. Repeat this process until the water runs clear, indicating that the greens are clean.
3. Remove the Tough Stems
Collard greens have tough stems that can be fibrous and chewy, so it’s best to remove them before cooking. To do this, hold a leaf by the stem and use your other hand to firmly grasp the leafy part at the base of the stem. Pull the leafy part away from the stem, stripping it off in one motion. Discard the stems and continue to remove the stems from the rest of the collard greens.
4. Chop the Collard Greens
Once the stems are removed, stack several collard green leaves together and roll them up tightly. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled leaves crosswise to create thin strips. Continue this process until all of the collard greens are chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Now that the collard greens are prepped and ready, it’s time to start cooking them with the ham hocks!
Cooking the Ham Hocks
To add a rich and smoky flavor to your collard greens, you’ll need to cook the ham hocks properly. Follow these steps to cook the ham hocks:
1. Prepare the Ham Hocks
Start by rinsing the ham hocks under cold water to remove any excess salt or brine. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Preheat the Pot
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and allow it to heat up.
3. Brown the Ham Hocks
Place the ham hocks in the hot pot and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned. This step will help develop the flavor.
4. Add the Liquid
Once the ham hocks are browned, add enough water or chicken broth to cover them completely. The liquid will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
5. Bring to a Boil
Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
6. Simmer the Ham Hocks
Let the ham hocks simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is falling off the bones. Make sure to check the pot occasionally and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
7. Remove and Shred
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot and place them on a cutting board. Once they have cooled down slightly, remove the bones and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Now that your ham hocks are cooked and shredded, they are ready to be added to the collard greens for a delicious and flavorful dish.
Cooking the Collard Greens
Once you have thawed the frozen collard greens and rinsed them thoroughly, you are ready to cook them with the ham hocks. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Prepare the ham hocks: Place the ham hocks in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let the ham hocks simmer for about 30 minutes. This will help remove any excess salt from the meat.
2. Add the collard greens: After simmering the ham hocks, add the collard greens to the pot. Make sure to remove any large stems and tear the leaves into smaller pieces. Stir the greens into the liquid, making sure they are evenly coated.
Pictsweet Farms® Chopped Collard Greens, Southern Classics® -14oz
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3. Season the greens: Season the collard greens with salt, black pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add garlic, onion, or other vegetables for additional flavor. Stir the greens again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
4. Cook the greens: Cover the pot with a lid and let the collard greens cook over low heat for about 1-2 hours. Stir the greens occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The greens should become tender and flavorful.
5. Serve hot: Once the collard greens are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the greens hot as a side dish with the ham hocks. You can also serve them with cornbread or rice for a complete meal.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the desired texture of the collard greens. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
FAQ
What are frozen collard greens with ham hocks?
Frozen collard greens with ham hocks are a popular Southern dish made with collard greens and smoked ham hocks. The collard greens are typically frozen to preserve their freshness, and the ham hocks add a smoky and savory flavor.
Glory Foods Seasoned Southern Style Collard Greens, 27 oz
Amazon.com
How do I cook frozen collard greens with ham hocks?
To cook frozen collard greens with ham hocks, start by thawing the collard greens. Then, in a large pot, boil the ham hocks until they become tender. Add the collard greens to the pot and cook until they are wilted and tender. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Can I cook frozen collard greens without ham hocks?
Yes, you can cook frozen collard greens without ham hocks. Simply thaw the collard greens and cook them in a pot with some olive oil or butter. You can add other seasonings and spices to enhance the flavor, such as garlic, onion, or red pepper flakes.
Are frozen collard greens with ham hocks healthy?
Frozen collard greens with ham hocks can be a nutritious dish. Collard greens are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, calcium, and fiber. However, ham hocks are high in fat and sodium, so it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can I use fresh collard greens instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can use fresh collard greens instead of frozen ones. Simply wash the fresh collard greens, remove the stems, and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Then, follow the same cooking instructions as you would with frozen collard greens.
What are collard greens?
Collard greens are dark green leafy vegetables that are part of the cabbage family. They have thick, sturdy leaves and a slightly bitter taste.