Southern Style Collard Greens

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh collard greens, washed, stemmed, and roughly chopped
• 4 slices of bacon (or 1 ham hock or smoked turkey leg)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the bitterness)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Collard Greens

1. Remove the tough stems from the collard greens and roughly chop the leaves.
2. Wash the greens thoroughly in cold water to remove any grit. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon (or Ham Hock)

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
2. If using a ham hock or smoked turkey leg, skip the bacon and instead add the ham hock/turkey directly to the pot and cook it in a bit of oil for 2-3 minutes to render some fat and flavor.
3. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon fat (or ham hock) and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Collard Greens

1. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring to coat them in the onion and garlic mixture.
2. Pour in the chicken broth (or water), making sure the greens are mostly submerged.
3. Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), red pepper flakes, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Simmer the Greens

1. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
2. Simmer the collard greens for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Once the collard greens are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar, if needed.
2. If you used bacon, crumble the cooked bacon and stir it back into the greens.
3. Serve the collard greens with a splash of hot sauce, if desired.

Tips:

• Smoked Meat: Ham hocks or smoked turkey legs add a rich, smoky flavor. If using a ham hock, remove it before serving and shred the meat back into the greens.
• Broth or Water: Using chicken broth adds more flavor, but water can be used for a lighter version.
• Acidity: Apple cider vinegar helps balance the bitterness of the greens, but you can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1-2 hours
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~6g
• Protein: ~7g
• Fat: ~11g
• Fiber: ~4g

These Southern Style Collard Greens are a must-have at any Southern table, rich in flavor and perfectly tender. Pair them with cornbread, fried chicken, or BBQ for a true Southern feast!