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Irresistible Southern-Style Greens Recipe with Pot Likker Easy and Authentic

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A comforting Southern-style greens recipe featuring slow-simmered collard greens with smoky meat and flavorful pot likker broth, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds collard greens, washed thoroughly and roughly chopped
  • 1 to 2 smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey wings
  • 4 to 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth or water (low-sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat

Instructions

  1. Rinse collard greens in cold water to remove grit. Tear or chop leaves into bite-sized pieces, discarding tough stems (about 10 minutes).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon bacon fat or olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving fat in pot.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Place smoked ham hocks or turkey wings in the pot and warm through for 2 minutes.
  5. Add chopped collard greens to the pot. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth or water, enough to mostly cover the greens. Stir gently to mix.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover with lid and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally and adding more broth or water if needed.
  7. Remove smoked meat and shred any meat off the bones to add back into the pot. Stir in cooked bacon.
  8. Add 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  9. Serve hot with pot likker broth.

Notes

Do not rush the simmering process; slow cooking softens the greens and deepens flavors. Remove tough stems from collards to avoid tough texture. For a vegetarian version, omit smoked meats and use smoked paprika with vegetable broth. Save and serve the pot likker broth with the greens or use it to moisten cornbread.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern greens, collard greens, pot likker, smoked ham hocks, comfort food, Southern cooking, slow simmered greens

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/irresistible-southern-style-greens-recipe-with-pot-likker-easy-and-authentic/