Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks
Tender collard greens slowly simmered with smoky ham hocks, garlic, and onions for a deeply savory Southern side. This american southern-inspired vegetarian ready in about 135 minutes pairs (about 1.5 pounds) smoked ham hocks, medium yellow onion, chopped, garlic cloves, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds collard greens, washed and chopped
- 2 pieces (about 1.5 pounds) smoked ham hocks
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 2 smoked ham hocks to the pot along with 4 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and cook for 1 hour to infuse smoky flavor.
- Step 3: After 1 hour, add 2 pounds chopped collard greens, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the greens are tender and the ham hocks are falling apart.
- Step 5: Remove the ham hocks and shred the meat off the bone, then return the meat to the pot and stir. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks 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-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks?
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 yellow onion, chopped from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks?
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-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks 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-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks?
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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