Easy Southern-Style Collard Greens
These easy Southern-style collard greens use frozen collards for zero prep—no washing or chopping. Tender, smoky, and full of soul food flavor.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 309kcal
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (this is one stick)
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 Tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons vinegar I like apple cider vinegar but white vinegar works, too
- 2 ham hocks
- 3 pounds frozen collard greens
- 12 cups water approx
Instructions
- Grab a large, heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 yellow onion, diced. Cook over medium-high heat for about five minutes, until soft.
- Add half the 12 cups water along with the ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, 2 teaspoons vinegar and 3 Tablespoons chicken bouillon granules and stir until dissolved.
- Add the 2 ham hocks, then the 3 pounds frozen collard greens.
- Slowly pour the remaining water over the collards, just until covered.Push down to make sure everything is submerged and bring to a boil. Turn down to a simmer and cover.
- Simmer over medium-low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meat should fall from the ham hocks, but if not, cut from the bone and add in pieces.
- Serve with a slotted spoon with some delicious cornbread.
Notes
For the collard greens: Frozen collard greens are already washed and chopped, which saves time and prevents the grit you often find on fresh greens. If you’re using fresh collards, you’ll need about 3 large bunches. Rinse them in cool water until no dirt settles at the bottom of the sink, then remove the tough stems and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Variations
- For extra flavor, you can swap the water for chicken stock or add a smoked turkey leg, turkey wings, or neck bones in place of the ham hocks.
- For a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Stir in an extra teaspoon of vinegar at the end if you prefer brighter, tangier greens.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 607mg | Potassium: 561mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 8967IU | Vitamin C: 61mg | Calcium: 427mg | Iron: 2mg
