Smoky Collard Greens

Smoky Collard Greens are full of delicious smoky flavor. 

They are a popular side dish on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Easter Sunday.   

Enjoy as a side or main dish.

 

Excellent with Homemade Self-Rising Cornbread because the crust absorbs the pot liquor. 

Also pairs well with Black-Eyed Peas and Ham.

 

KEY INGREDIENT

This recipe calls for 2 bunches of fresh or use two pre-packaged bags (16 oz. each) of cut/washed collard greens.

Two 16-ounce bags will make about six servings. 

Purchase online from Kroger. 

(Not sponsored.  See note below).

 

HOW TO CLEAN FRESH COLLARD GREENS

Collard greens fresh from the garden or purchased in the grocery store should be washed in hot, salty water to get rid of debris and insects. 

 

I wash and rinse two to three times.   Depends on how much dirt is on each leaf.

Heavily soiled collards should be washed at least three times and rinsed three times.

 

First, remove the thick portion (bottom end) of the stalk from each leaf.  

Place whole leaves in sink to clean. 

Cover leaves with hot water.  Add 1/2 cup of salt (will not affect taste of collards).

Wash each leaf in the salty water.  Rinse. 

Wash and rinse three times.  Sounds like a lot, but it’s necessary with collards fresh from the garden.  

 

HOW TO CUT COLLARD GREENS

 

Stack and roll several leaves together.   

Cut to desired size.  

 

 

SEASONING SUGGESTIONS

There are a variety of ways to season collards to make them taste fantastic.  

The fresh collard greens in my recipe are seasoned with smoked ham hocks (or use a ham bone), sugar to get rid of bitterness, salt, coarse ground black pepper, Liquid Smoke, and Cajun Hot Sauce. 

 

SMOKED TURKEY WINGS

If pork is not your thing, consider using smoked turkey wings.  

 

 

SMOKED HAM HOCKS 

My favorite seasoning is smoked ham hocks. 

The smoky ham flavor is excellent in collard greens.

 

CURED SALT PORK 

Many southerners like my precious aunt, season their collards with pork.

Her preferred brand is the Royal Foods brand, a family-owned company based in Alabama.

 

 

LIQUID SMOKE

A splash of Liquid Smoke adds fantastic smoky flavor.

I use Wright’s Liquid Smoke  because it contains water and natural hickory smoke concentrate.  No preservatives.

 

 

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

 

Pairs well with Homemade Self-Rising Cornbread.

 

ENJOY!

 

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DISCLOSURE (NOT SPONSORED):  I have not been paid to endorse any of the pictured products.  Delighted to share the ingredients I purchased and used to make this delicious recipe.  All comments are my own.

 

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