Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock and Vinegar

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender collard greens slowly simmered with smoky ham hock and tangy apple cider vinegar for a traditional Southern side bursting with flavor. This american southern-inspired vegetarian ready in about 165 minutes pairs washed and chopped fresh collard greens, large (about 1 lb) smoked ham hock, medium, chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 American Southern cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large smoked ham hock to the pot along with 4 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 lbs washed and chopped collard greens to the pot, pressing down gently to submerge in the broth. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and flavorful.
  4. Step 4: Remove ham hock and shred any meat from the bone, returning meat to the pot. Stir in 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  5. Step 5: Serve collard greens hot as a savory Southern side dish with a balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy notes.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock and Vinegar take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 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 Vinegar?

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 medium, chopped yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock and Vinegar?

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 Vinegar 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 Vinegar?

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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