Amazing Collard Greens: 1 Hour Comfort

Thanksgiving just isn’t complete for me without a steaming bowl of tender, flavorful collard greens. Seriously, it’s the side dish that makes everyone feel like they’re truly home. And the best part? This classic Southern collard greens recipe is honestly so simple to make. You can totally whip it up even when the rest of your holiday kitchen is in a frenzy. It’s that comforting, familiar taste that just brings us all together, proving that sometimes the most special dishes are the easiest ones.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Collard Greens Recipe

You’re going to adore this collard greens recipe for so many reasons:

• It’s ridiculously easy to make, even on the craziest holiday cooking days.
• It delivers that authentic, comforting Southern flavor everyone loves.
• It’s a total crowd-pleaser; picky eaters and seasoned foodies alike will devour it.
• Perfectly tender greens every single time, no fuss!
• It’s the quintessential Thanksgiving side that just adds that special touch.
• Great for leftovers too – the flavor gets even better overnight!

Gather Your Ingredients for the Best Collard Greens

Alright, let’s get our kitchen prepped! For these amazing collard greens, you’ll want to have these goodies ready:

• 2 pounds of fresh collard greens (make sure those tough stems are gone!)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 big onion, chopped up nice
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of chicken broth – the good stuff!
• About 1/2 cup of smoked turkey or a ham hock (this is optional, but trust me, it adds SO much savoriness!)
• Salt and black pepper, just to taste
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar – for that little zing!

How to Make Collard Greens: Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make collard greens that’ll make you want to sing! It sounds fancy, but trust me, it’s super straightforward. My grandma always said the key was patience and a little bit of love. We’ll start by getting those gorgeous greens ready, then build up some amazing flavor before letting them do their slow, magical simmer. You’ll find that learning how to make collard greens is one of the most rewarding things you can do for a holiday meal!

Preparing the Greens for Simmering

First things first, we gotta get these collard greens cleaned and chopped. Give them a really good wash – I usually wash mine in batches in the sink, swishing them around to get rid of any dirt or grit. Then, you’ll want to remove those tough stems. Just fold the leaf in half and slice along the thickest part of the stem. Once they’re stem-free, I like to sort of stack a few leaves, roll ‘em up, and give ‘em a good chop into bite-sized pieces. Don’t stress about perfection; they’ll shrink down a bunch!

Building Flavor: Sautéing Aromatics

Now, for the flavor boost! Grab your favorite big pot or a Dutch oven and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it get all soft and sweet, about 5 minutes should do it. You want them translucent, not browned. Then, add your minced garlic. Oh, that smell! Just cook it for about a minute until you can really smell it; we don’t want it to burn. This little step makes a WORLD of difference, giving our greens a warm, savory base.

SAVE IT

The Simmering Process for Tender Collard Greens

Time for the magic to happen! Toss those chopped collard greens right into the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in your chicken broth, and if you’re using that glorious smoked turkey or ham hock, now’s the time to add it in. Give everything a good stir, then bring it up to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, slap a lid on that pot, and let those collard greens simmer away. I usually go for at least an hour, but honestly, for that melt-in-your-mouth tender texture? Up to two hours is fantastic. The longer they go, the more the flavors meld and the more tender those greens become.

SAVE IT

Finishing Touches: Seasoning and Tang

Almost there! After all that simmering, stir in your salt, pepper, and that splash of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar is super important; it really wakes up all those rich, savory flavors and adds a nice little tang. Now, taste it! This is where you make it your own. Add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it, and a little more vinegar if you like it zippier. Easy peasy!

SAVE IT

Tips for Perfect Collard Greens Every Time

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe down, but let me share a few little secrets that make these collard greens truly sing. It’s all about paying attention to the little things that make a big difference. Trust me, these tips come from years of trial and error in my own kitchen, trying to get that perfect Southern flavor my grandma always talked about!

Choosing the Best Collard Greens

When you’re picking out your collard greens, look for bright, deep green leaves that are firm and feel a little crisp. Avoid any that look wilted, yellowed, or have slimy spots – those aren’t going to be your best friends for tender greens. A fresh bunch is truly the secret to delicious collard greens!

Achieving Your Ideal Tenderness

The beauty of collard greens is you can make them just how you like them! If you prefer them with a little bit of a bite, an hour of simmering is great. But if you’re like me and love them super tender, almost falling apart, let ’em go for 1.5 to 2 hours. Just give them a poke now and then to see if they’re soft enough for you.

Balancing Flavors

That last splash of apple cider vinegar is a game-changer, but don’t be afraid to play with the seasonings! If you used that ham hock or smoked turkey, it adds a wonderful depth, so you might need less salt. Always taste and adjust at the end. A little more salt, pepper, or vinegar can truly make all the difference in making these collard greens your own.

Serving Suggestions for Your Thanksgiving Classic

Oh, these collard greens are practically begging to be part of your Thanksgiving table! They are the perfect partner for rich, savory dishes. Imagine them alongside a perfectly roasted turkey or a juicy ham. They’re also fantastic with my creamy mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or even some fluffy cornbread. This Thanksgiving classic really ties the whole meal together and adds that wonderful, homey touch that everyone craves during the holidays.

SAVE IT

Nutritional Information for Collard Greens

Just a heads-up, like most home-cooked meals, the exact nutrition can wiggle a bit depending on precisely how you make these greens. But here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per serving (about 1 cup): Calories: 120, Fat: 5g, Protein: 6g, Carbohydrates: 15g, Fiber: 7g, Sodium: 450mg, and Sugar: 5g. Pretty great for such a comforting dish, right?

Frequently Asked Questions About Collard Greens

Got questions about these amazing collard greens? I get it! Making the perfect batch can sometimes bring up a few things, but don’t worry, I’ve got your back. These are some things I get asked a lot, and I’m happy to spill the beans!

Can I use frozen collard greens?

Yep, you totally can use frozen collard greens if that’s what you’ve got! Just make sure to thaw them out completely first. They might be a tiny bit less vibrant in color, but they’ll still be delicious. You might also need a smidge less broth since they release water when they thaw.

How long do collard greens last in the refrigerator?

These collard greens are fantastic as leftovers! They’ll keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Honestly, the flavor just deepens and gets even better, which is why I love making a big batch, even if it’s not Thanksgiving!

What can I substitute for smoked turkey or ham hock?

If you’re keeping it vegetarian or just don’t have smoked turkey or ham hock on hand, you have options! A strip of bacon or some pancetta cooked at the beginning adds a similar savory depth. For a truly vegetarian twist, a good quality vegetable bouillon or even a pinch of smoked paprika can give you that smoky essence you’re looking for.

Share Your Collard Greens Creations!

I just LOVE seeing your kitchen adventures! If you whip up this classic collard greens recipe, please drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you make any fun tweaks? I’m always so excited to see your photos and hear your stories, so feel free to tag me on social media – your collard greens creation could be my next favorite!

Classic Southern Collard Greens

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A traditional recipe for tender, flavorful collard greens, perfect for your Thanksgiving feast or any family gathering.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 1 hr 15 min
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds collard greens, washed and tough stems removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup smoked turkey or ham hock (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Chop the collard greens into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped collard greens, chicken broth, and smoked turkey or ham hock (if using) to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the greens are tender. For more tender greens, simmer for up to 2 hours.
6. Stir in salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot as a side dish.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked turkey or ham hock and use vegetable broth.
• You can make this recipe ahead of time; the flavors meld and improve overnight.
• Adjust the amount of vinegar to your preference for tanginess.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 5mg