Collard Greens Cooked with Smoked Ham

Introduction

Dive into a comforting Southern classic that has been cherished for generations: Collard Greens Cooked with Smoked Hams. This savory blend of greens kissed by the smoky richness of hams pays homage to a cuisine steeped in history and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or a culinary novice, crafting this dish is a delightful adventure that nourishes both body and soul.

Kitchen Equipment Required

• Large Stockpot
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Slotted Spoon
• Colander

Cooking Time

Total estimated cooking time: 2 hours

Collard Greens with Smoked Hams Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 kg (about 2 lbs) collard greens, washed and trimmed
• 500g (1 lb) smoked ham hocks or smoked ham pieces
• 1.5 liters (about 6 cups) chicken stock or water
• 200g (1 cup) chopped onions
• 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
• 5g (1 tsp) red pepper flakes
• 10g (2 tsp) sea salt
• 5g (1 tsp) freshly ground black pepper
• 30ml (2 tbsp) apple cider vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Greens

Begin by thoroughly washing the collard greens to remove any dirt or grit. Using a chef’s knife, remove the tough central stem from each leaf, and slice the leaves into strips about 2.5cm (1 inch) wide.

Step 2: Sautéing the Base

In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Building the Flavor

Place the smoked ham hocks or pieces into the pot, turning them occasionally to brown evenly, about 5 minutes. This step ensures the ham’s smoky flavor permeates the entire dish.

Step 4: Simmering the Dish

Pour the chicken stock or water into the pot, and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the ham cook for about 1 hour, partially covered. This slow cooking process enriches the broth with deep smoky notes.

Step 5: Adding the Greens

Add the collard greens to the pot, stirring them into the ham broth. Sprinkle in the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the greens reach your desired tenderness.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Stir in the apple cider vinegar, which brightens and balances the dish, cutting through the richness. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Step 7: Serving

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the greens and pieces of ham to a serving dish. Pour some of the savory broth over the top and serve hot, ideally with cornbread or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Conclusion

Congratulations on crafting a wholesome and delicious batch of Collard Greens with Smoked Hams! This Southern staple is a tribute to comfort and tradition, capturing the essence of hearty home cooking. As you savor each bite, relish in the smoky, robust, and vibrant flavors that truly transform this humble dish into a beloved classic. Share with family, friends, or treasure it as your personal culinary indulgence.

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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