Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock and Onion
Tender collard greens slowly braised with smoky ham hock and sweet onions for a rich, hearty Southern side dish. This american southern-inspired vegetarian ready in about 135 minutes pairs (about 1 lb) smoked ham hock, large, sliced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves 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
- 2 lbs, stems removed and leaves chopped fresh collard greens
- 1 (about 1 lb) smoked ham hock
- 1 large, sliced yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and chop 2 lbs fresh collard greens, removing thick stems. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 large sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Step 4: Place 1 smoked ham hock into the pot and pour in 4 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Add the chopped collard greens, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 6: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the greens are tender and the ham hock meat is falling off the bone.
- Step 7: Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, discard the bone and return the meat to the pot. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock and Onion take to make?
Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 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 Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock and Onion?
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 (about 1 lb) smoked ham hock from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock and Onion?
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 Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock and Onion 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 Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock and Onion?
American Southern vegetarian 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.
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