greens and ham hock recipe

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greens and ham hock recipe
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The Best greens and ham hock recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you all, it’s one of my family’s favorites and it’s perfect for any occasion. I first discovered this greens and ham hock recipe when I was browsing through a Southern cookbook, and I knew right away that I had to try it.

The combination of the rich, meaty flavor of the ham hock with the freshness of the greens is just incredible. And the best part is that it’s so easy to make, even on a busy weeknight.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them – they can’t get enough of that tender ham hock and those delicious greens. We like to serve it with some crusty bread or over rice, and it’s always a comforting meal that never fails to put smiles on our faces.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the leafy greens and the ham hock provides a good source of protein. It’s truly a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m so grateful to have been able to share it with my family and now with you all.

I’ve made some tweaks to the original recipe over the years, but the core ingredients remain the same – just a few simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. One thing I’ve noticed is that the longer you let this recipe simmer, the more flavorful it becomes – so feel free to let it cook for as long as you like.

It’s truly a recipe that will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine.

Greens and Ham Hock

Greens and Ham Hock

4.7 from 1038 votes

A hearty Southern dish featuring tender, smoky ham hock braised with a medley of collard greens and kale. The slow-cooked greens absorb the rich, savory flavor from the ham, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Greens and Ham Hock

1 large smoked ham hock (about 1.5 lbs)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 bunch collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
4 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the ham hock in a large Dutch oven and cover it with cold water.
2Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to remove excess salt.
3Drain the ham hock and set it aside.
4In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
5Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.
6Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7Add the chopped collard greens and kale to the pot in batches, stirring until they wilt down.
8Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper, then nestle the ham hock into the greens.
9Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat.
10Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the greens cook for 2 hours.
11Stir occasionally and check that the liquid remains at a gentle simmer; if it reduces too much, add a splash of water.
12The greens are done when they are very tender and the ham hock meat easily pulls away from the bone.
13Remove the ham hock from the pot and let it cool slightly.
14Pull the meat from the bone, discarding the skin and bone, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
15Return the shredded meat to the pot, stir to combine, and taste for seasoning, adding more salt or vinegar if needed.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 7g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a milder flavor, reduce the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon. Serve with cornbread or over steamed rice to soak up the flavorful pot liquor.

Watch Video Of How Greens and Ham Hock Works

This greens and ham hock recipe is one of those comforting meals that never fails to put smiles on our faces. We love serving it at family gatherings or just having it as an everyday meal.

The best part is how easy it is to reheat – just pop it in the microwave or oven until warm through. And don’t forget about storage ideas – you can easily freeze leftovers for later use or portion them out into individual containers for easy reheating on-the-go.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Greens and Ham Hock

Q: What type of greens should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use any type of green you like, but some popular options include kale, collard greens, mustard greens, or turnip greens. Just make sure they’re fresh and clean before using them.

Q: Can I use canned ham instead of a fresh ham hock?

While canned ham can be used as a substitute, it won’t provide the same rich flavor as a fresh ham hock. If you’re short on time or can’t find fresh ham hocks, go for it – but know that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I store leftover greens and ham hock?

You can store leftover greens and ham hock in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

This recipe can be made ahead of time – just let it simmer for at least an hour before serving to allow all those flavors to meld together.

Q: What if I don’t have any broth? Can I still make this recipe?

You can still make this recipe without broth – just omit it altogether and add more water if needed.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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