Southern collard greens recipe is one of the most recognizable recipes in the category of southern comfort foods. With delicious aromas and abundant nutrients, this leafy green vegetable has secured a special place in Southern kitchens for ages.

Black folks collard greens recipe elevates this dish to the next level, blending generations of love and expertise into every pot. Whether you are a pro at southern cooking or a newbie, this recipe is great for achieving that down-home flavor.

The History of Collard Greens in the South

The origin of collard greens stretches back to the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, but it is in the American South where they truly flourished. Enslaved Africans brought in their rich tradition of cooking with leafy vegetables, which amalgamated over time with southern farming methods to create the beloved black folks collard greens recipe.

This dish transformed into a powerful symbol of hope and optimism. Overcoming the struggles life posed, collard greens served as a great source of nutrition. For many, as well as black families living in South America, this dish not only serves as food but a connection to their ancestors along with cultural history that needs celebration. In modern times, collard greens have become a common feature alongside family gatherings, holiday feasts, and Sunday dinners.

What Makes a Great Collard Greens Recipe Southern Style?

The Southern collard greens recipe has many variations, but some key ingredients are used nearly every time. The best recipes start with freshly harvested vibrant greens, which are then simmered with some smoky meats, exquisite seasonings, and a little bit of spice.

Traditionally, pork meat is used but flavor infusion. However, you can also use bacon, ham cocks, and smoked turkey wings. The bold, smoky meat flavor permeates the greens and produces a rich, hard-to-resist taste. A black folks collard greens recipe usually incorporates hot sauce, vinegar, or pepper flakes, making it a fabulous southern dish.

How to Select the Best Collard Greens?

Choosing the freshest and most tender greens is the key to a delicious collard greens recipe Southern-style. Here are some suggestions for selecting the best collards:

• Look for dark green and vibrant leaves: Any greens that are yellowing or wilting should be avoided. Remember that brighter leaves indicate freshness.
• Smaller leaves are recommended for tenderness: Tougher, larger leaves can be used, but they require more time to cook. Generally, smaller leaves are more tender and milder in taste.
• Check for firmness first: The leaves need to be crisp and firm, not rubbery or limp. Fresh greens break slightly when bent.

Once you have made your selection, wash them to get rid of any dirt or grit. Collards grow close to the ground so they can host soil. A quick rinse under cold water followed by a soak will make them ready for cooking.

Classic Southern Collard Greens Recipe

Since you have selected your greens, the next step involves cooking. Here is a classic black folks collard greens recipe that is sure to impress:

Ingredients

• 2 large bunches of fresh collard greens
• 1 large smoked ham hock (or substitute with smoked turkey wings)
• 5 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 6 cups chicken broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

• Prepare the greens: After washing the collard greens, use a sharp knife to cut the leaves off the tough stems. Then, stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice them into 1-inch ribbons.
• Cook the bacon: Take a large saucepan or Dutch oven and place the chopped bacon over medium heat. Stir until it is crispy. Take the bacon out using a slotted spoon and let it cool down. Set it aside, but make sure the rendered fat stays in the pot.
• Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic into the same pan with bacon fat. Sauté until the onion is soft and somewhat see-through. It will take roughly 5-7 minutes.
• Add the ham hock and broth: Put the smoked ham hock in the pot, add chicken broth (or water), and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes. This lets the broth soak in all the smoky goodness from the ham hock.
• Cook the collard greens: Place a handful of sliced greens in the pot to wilt them, and stir. After adding all the greens to the pot, mix in the apple cider vinegar and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer on low flame for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender.
• Season and serve: Add salt, pepper, and more vinegar (if necessary). Stir in the reserved crispy bacon. Serve hot. For those who enjoy an extra kick, serve alongside a bottle of hot sauce.

This southern collard greens recipe is great to accompany barbecues, holiday meals, or if you are in the mood for southern comfort food. Combine it with cornbread, fried chicken, or a pot of black-eyed peas to savor the Southern soul food.

Tips for Making the Best Collard Greens

The key to mastering a great collard greens recipe southern style lies in preparation and patience during the cooking process. Here are some valuable tips to make the best collard greens:

• Do not rush the cooking process: Remember that slow simmering is essential to get tender and flavorful greens. Even though you might be tempted to turn up the heat, waiting will get you collards that melt in the mouth.
• Experiment with seasonings: As much as the classic recipe asks for vinegar and pepper flakes, you are free to substitute those with spices of your own choice. Some people prefer adding a sprinkle of sugar to balance the bitterness, while others relish spicier hot sauce.
• Leftovers are your friend: Because collard greens have more time to infuse, they taste even better the next day. Any leftover food can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for extended periods.

Bring Southern Flavor to Your Table!

Whether you are an expert Southern chef or are exposing yourself to collard greens for the very first time, this black folks collard greens recipe is a must-try. Their history is rich, with flavors so deep and tastes that fulfill the soul completely. This dish is a stunning tribute to Southern culture and cuisines.

Here at Uncle Wiley’s, we love preserving the traditions of Southern cooking, and this recipe serves as proof. Next time you are in search of a dish that has some delightful flavor and contains so much history, give this collard greens recipe southern style a shot; you will be delighted.