Step by step

Method

7 steps

1. 1

   Prepare the collard greens by removing the stems and then chopping the leaves into one to two-inch pieces (or use bagged, pre-chopped collard greens). Place the collard greens in a colander and rinse well.

2. 2

   Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the onion and garlic to a large soup pot along with the cooking oil. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent.

3. 3

   Add the washed collard greens, ham hock, sugar, red pepper, black pepper, and chicken broth to the pot. Stir briefly to combine.

4. 4

   Place a lid on the pot and allow it to come up to a simmer. Once simmering, turn the heat down to low and let the green simmer for one hour, with a lid, stirring occasionally.

5. 5

   After simmering for one hour, taste the greens and see if they are simmered to your desired tenderness. If not, simmer longer.

6. 6

   Remove the ham hock and pull the meat from the bone. Chop the ham into small pieces, then stir it back into the greens.

7. 7

   Give the collard greens a final taste and adjust the salt, sugar, or other seasonings to your liking. Serve hot with your favorite meal!