How do I cook collard greens?

Step into Southern soul food heaven with our collard greens recipe. Delight your taste buds with this classic side dish that's full of flavor!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I cook collard greens. Items include: Collard Greens Smoked Meat (e.g., ham hocks or smoked turkey wings) Diced Onions Minced Garlic Salt Pepper Red Pepper Flakes

Collard Greens 2 pounds
Smoked Meat (e.g., ham hocks or smoked turkey wings) 1-2 pounds
Diced Onions 1 large onion
Minced Garlic 3-4 cloves
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Red Pepper Flakes pinch

Take note
Just a heads up, collard greens tend to shrink when cooked, so make sure to use a generous amount.

1

Wash and chop the collard greens

Start by thoroughly washing the collard greens under cold water. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

2

Cook the smoked meat

In a large pot, cook your choice of smoked meat, such as ham hocks or smoked turkey wings, until they become tender and flavorful. This will add a smoky essence to your collard greens.

3

Saute the onions and garlic

In the same pot, sauté some diced onions and minced garlic until they become golden and fragrant. This will add a delicious aromatic base to your collard greens.

4

Add the collard greens and seasonings

Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Don't overcrowd the pot; you can always add more later as they cook down.

5

Simmer until tender

Cover the pot and let the collard greens simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they reach the desired tenderness. Stir occasionally and check the seasoning, adjusting it if necessary.

6

Serve and enjoy

Once the collard greens are cooked to perfection, serve them as a delightful side dish to complement any meal. They pair wonderfully with cornbread and other Southern staples.