Down South Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

Down South Collard Greens with Ham Hocks Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Down South Collard Greens with Ham Hocks is a classic Southern dish that is full of flavor and tradition. The combination of tender collard greens and smoky ham hocks creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.

History

Collard greens have been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries, with recipes dating back to the early days of American history. The addition of ham hocks adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish, making it a favorite among many Southern families.

Ingredients

2 ham hocks
1 whole white onion
2 cups chicken stock
2 medium bunches collard greens, shredded
2 tsp salt

How to prepare

Place ham hocks and onion in a large pot with 4 cups of water.
Simmer partially covered for 1 hour.
Remove the onion from the broth and discard.
Add chicken stock and collards.
Cook for 30 minutes over medium heat.
Add additional salt if desired.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hocks and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the collard greens, be sure to simmer the ham hocks and onion for at least an hour before adding the chicken stock and greens. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a delicious broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the collard greens with cornbread or biscuits for a classic Southern meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the ham hocks and onion before adding the collard greens allows the flavors to develop and creates a rich broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ham hocks, you can use smoked turkey legs or bacon for a similar flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the collard greens in a large serving bowl with the ham hocks on top for a rustic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Down South Collard Greens with Ham Hocks pairs well with cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and fried chicken.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Down South Collard Greens with Ham Hocks contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Down South Collard Greens with Ham Hocks contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Down South Collard Greens with Ham Hocks contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Down South Collard Greens with Ham Hocks contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Collard greens are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork and chicken stock, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Down South Collard Greens with Ham Hocks is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Summary

Down South Collard Greens with Ham Hocks is a classic Southern dish that is full of flavor and tradition. With its tender collard greens and smoky ham hocks, it is a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a hot summer day in the deep south, and I was visiting my Aunt Sarah's farm. As soon as I stepped into her kitchen, the aroma of collard greens and ham hocks filled the air, making my mouth water.

Aunt Sarah was a master in the kitchen, and she had learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from hers. It was a family tradition that had been passed down through generations, and I was honored to be able to learn it from her.

As I watched Aunt Sarah work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be amazed at the way she effortlessly chopped the collard greens, diced the onions, and seasoned the ham hocks. She moved with a grace and confidence that only comes from years of practice and experience.

I asked Aunt Sarah how she had learned to make such delicious collard greens, and she smiled and told me the story of how she had first learned the recipe.

"It all started when I was a young girl, growing up on this very farm," Aunt Sarah began. "My grandmother used to make collard greens with ham hocks every Sunday for our big family dinners. I would watch her in awe as she cooked, and I knew that one day I wanted to learn how to make them just like her."

Aunt Sarah explained that her grandmother had taught her the recipe when she was old enough to help out in the kitchen. She would stand by her side, watching and learning as her grandmother cooked the greens low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

"From that day on, I made it my mission to perfect the recipe," Aunt Sarah continued. "I experimented with different seasonings and cooking techniques until I finally found the perfect combination that reminded me of my grandmother's collard greens."

As Aunt Sarah stirred the pot of simmering collard greens, adding in the ham hocks and letting the flavors meld together, I couldn't wait to try the final product. When she finally dished up a heaping plate for me to try, I took a bite and was instantly transported back to my childhood, sitting around the dinner table with my family.

The collard greens were tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of smokiness from the ham hocks. The dish was a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Aunt Sarah was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she patiently guided me through each step, from selecting the freshest collard greens to letting the ham hocks simmer for hours on end. She emphasized the importance of patience and attention to detail, telling me that the key to making perfect collard greens was to let them cook low and slow until they were tender and rich in flavor.

I followed Aunt Sarah's instructions to the letter, and as I took my first bite of the finished dish, I knew that I had truly mastered the art of making Down South Collard Greens with Ham Hocks. The flavors were just as I remembered from Aunt Sarah's kitchen, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at being able to carry on the family tradition.

Now, whenever I make collard greens with ham hocks, I think back to that hot summer day on Aunt Sarah's farm, watching her work her magic in the kitchen. I am grateful for the knowledge that she passed down to me, and I know that I will continue to make this dish for many more years to come, sharing it with my own family and passing on the tradition to future generations.