Mustard greens are a nutritious and flavorful leafy green that are often overlooked in the kitchen. With their peppery taste and hearty texture, they make a delicious addition to any meal. One classic way to prepare mustard greens is to cook them with smoked ham hocks. The combination of the smoky and salty ham hocks with the slightly bitter greens creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You’ll need a bunch of fresh mustard greens, a few smoked ham hocks, an onion, garlic, and some chicken broth. The greens should be rinsed thoroughly and then roughly chopped, removing any tough stems. The ham hocks should also be rinsed to remove any excess salt.

Next, you’ll want to sauté your chopped onion and garlic in a large pot until they become soft and translucent. This will help to release their flavors and add depth to your dish. Once the onion and garlic are cooked, add your ham hocks and enough chicken broth to cover them. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about an hour, or until the ham hocks are tender and the meat is falling off the bone.

Once the ham hocks are cooked, remove them from the pot and set them aside to cool slightly. When they are cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chopped ham hocks to the pot, along with your chopped mustard greens. Stir everything together gently, making sure the greens are coated in the flavorful broth. Cover the pot and let the greens simmer for another 30 minutes, or until they are tender.

Tip: If you like your greens on the spicier side, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the pot. This will give your dish an extra kick of heat.

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Once the greens are tender, they’re ready to be served. You can enjoy them as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, or you can serve them on their own with a crusty piece of bread. However you choose to enjoy them, these mustard greens with ham hocks are sure to be a hit at your next meal.

Mustard Greens with Ham Hocks: A Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, look no further than mustard greens with ham hocks. This classic Southern recipe combines the earthy bitterness of mustard greens with the smoky richness of ham hocks, resulting in a soul-satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds of mustard greens
  • 2 ham hocks
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by washing the mustard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Then, remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

2. In a large pot, add the ham hocks and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the ham hocks are tender and falling off the bone.

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3. Once the ham hocks are done, remove them from the pot and set them aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into smaller pieces.

4. In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

5. Add the torn mustard greens to the pot, along with the apple cider vinegar. Stir well to coat the greens in the flavorful mixture.

6. Cover the pot and cook the greens over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are wilted and tender.

7. Finally, add the shredded ham hock meat back to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

8. Serve the mustard greens with ham hocks hot as a side dish or as a main course with some cornbread or rice on the side. Enjoy!

Choosing the Best Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that adds a unique flavor to dishes. When choosing mustard greens for cooking, it’s essential to select fresh and vibrant leaves to ensure the best taste and texture. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best mustard greens:

1. Look for fresh and crisp leaves: Choose mustard greens with crisp and firm leaves that are free from wilting or yellowing. Avoid leaves that are limp or have brown spots, as they may not taste as fresh.

2. Consider the size: While smaller mustard greens tend to be more tender, larger leaves can also be delicious if cooked properly. Choose the size that suits your preference and cooking method.

3. Check for vibrant green color: Look for mustard greens with bright, vibrant green leaves. This indicates that they are fresh and full of flavor. Avoid greens with a faded or yellowish color, as they may be past their prime.

4. Smell the leaves: Take a moment to smell the mustard greens before purchasing them. They should have a fresh, crisp, and slightly peppery aroma. Avoid greens that have a strong or unpleasant smell as this may indicate they are no longer fresh.

5. Consider organic options: If possible, choose organic mustard greens to avoid any exposure to pesticides or harmful chemicals. Organic greens are generally fresher and have a more natural taste.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you choose the best mustard greens for your cooking needs. Whether you’re preparing a savory dish like mustard greens with ham hocks or exploring new recipes, fresh and flavorful greens will elevate your meals.

Preparing the Ham Hocks

Before cooking the mustard greens with ham hocks, it is important to prepare the ham hocks properly. Follow the steps below to ensure that the ham hocks are ready for cooking:

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Step 1:

Remove any excess fat from the ham hocks. Trimming off excess fat will help to reduce the greasiness of the final dish.

Step 2:

Take a large pot and fill it with water. Add the ham hocks to the pot and bring the water to a boil over medium heat.

Step 3:

Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the ham hocks simmer for about 2 hours. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

Step 4:

After 2 hours of simmering, remove the ham hocks from the pot and set them aside to cool. Reserve the cooking liquid, as it will be used later in the recipe.

Step 5:

Once the ham hocks have cooled, remove the meat from the bones and discard the bones. Chop the meat into small, bite-sized pieces.

Now that the ham hocks are prepared, they are ready to be used in the mustard greens recipe. The next step is to cook the mustard greens and combine them with the flavorful ham hocks.

Cooking the Mustard Greens

Once the ham hocks are tender, remove them from the pot and set them aside to cool. In the same pot, add the mustard greens along with the chicken broth. Make sure the broth covers the greens completely.

Step 1: Cleaning and Preparing the Greens

Start by washing the mustard greens thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any dirt or debris from the leaves. After washing, remove the tough stems from the greens and discard them. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cooking the Greens

Place the pot with the mustard greens and chicken broth on the stove over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the greens simmer for about 45 minutes. This will ensure that the greens become tender and flavorful.

While the greens are simmering, remove the ham hocks from their bones and dice the meat. Set the meat aside.

Step 3: Adding the Ham Hocks

After 45 minutes of simmering, add the diced ham hocks back into the pot with the greens. Stir well to combine the flavors. Continue to cook for another 15 minutes, allowing the ham hocks to infuse their smoky taste into the greens.

Before serving, taste the greens and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add salt and pepper to your preference.

Now your delicious mustard greens with ham hocks are ready to be served as a side dish or even as a main course. Enjoy!

Serving and Garnishing

Once the mustard greens with ham hocks are cooked to perfection, it is time to serve and garnish them for a delicious and visually appealing presentation. Here are some serving and garnishing ideas to make your dish even more appetizing:

  • Spoon the cooked mustard greens with ham hocks onto a serving dish or individual plates.
  • Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.
  • For an extra kick, drizzle the dish with a few drops of hot sauce or chili oil.
  • Serve the mustard greens with ham hocks alongside a slice of cornbread or a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
  • For a complete meal, serve the greens with ham hocks as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, such as roasted chicken or grilled steak.
  • Pair the dish with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a crisp white wine to complement the flavors.
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With these serving and garnishing ideas, your mustard greens with ham hocks will not only taste delicious but also look visually appealing, making it an impressive dish to serve to family and guests.

FAQ

What are mustard greens?

Mustard greens are leafy green vegetables that are part of the mustard plant family. They have a slightly peppery taste and are often used in cooking as a side dish or in salads.

How do I prepare mustard greens?

To prepare mustard greens, start by washing them thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, trim off any tough stems and cut the greens into smaller pieces. You can also blanch them by boiling in salted water for a few minutes, then transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.

What are ham hocks?

Ham hocks are the joint between the leg and the foot of a pig. They are a flavorful cut of meat that is often used in soups, stews, and beans to add a smoky and rich taste. They can be purchased smoked or unsmoked, depending on your preference.

How do I cook mustard greens with ham hocks?

To cook mustard greens with ham hocks, start by cooking the ham hocks in a large pot of water until they are tender. Then, remove the ham hocks from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the mustard greens along with some chopped onions, garlic, and seasonings. Cook until the greens are wilted and tender. Finally, add the ham hocks back into the pot and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot and enjoy!

Can I use other meats instead of ham hocks?

Yes, you can use other meats instead of ham hocks in this recipe. Smoked turkey legs or bacon are common substitutes that will still add a smoky flavor to the mustard greens. You can also use smoked sausage or even smoked tofu for a vegetarian option.

How do I cook mustard greens with ham hocks?

To cook mustard greens with ham hocks, start by rinsing the greens thoroughly and removing any tough stems. Chop the ham hocks into small pieces and cook them in a large pot until they are browned. Then, add the mustard greens to the pot along with some chicken broth, onions, garlic, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the mixture for about an hour, or until the greens are tender. Serve the cooked greens and ham hocks together as a delicious and hearty dish.