Braised Collard Greens with Applewood Smoked Ham
Tender collard greens simmered with smoky ham hock for a deeply flavorful side that complements any meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 95 minutes pairs collard greens, olive oil, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs collard greens
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lb smoked ham hock
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add 1 large onion chopped and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 2 cloves garlic minced and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1.5 lbs collard greens chopped, 1 lb smoked ham hock, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of salt; bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Cover and reduce heat to low; simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes until greens are tender.
- Step 5: Remove ham hock, shred meat, and return to pot; discard bay leaf. Season with additional salt if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Collard Greens with Applewood Smoked Ham take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Braised Collard Greens with Applewood Smoked Ham?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep collard greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Collard Greens with Applewood Smoked Ham?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Braised Collard Greens with Applewood Smoked Ham for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Braised Collard Greens with Applewood Smoked Ham?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
