Southern Collard Greens Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch of collard greens (about 3 pounds)
• 1 pound bacon (chopped (smoked bacon is ideal))
• 1 large white onion (chopped)
• 2 jalapeno peppers (chopped - optional (use milder peppers for less heat))
• 1 pound smoked ham (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced (or more to taste))
• 12 cups chicken stock (3 quarts)
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey (or use sugar)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste (I use 1 tsp each)
• Hot sauce to taste (a few dashes will do - use your favorite hot sauce)

Steps

1. 1

   Thoroughly rinse and wash the collard greens to remove any grit. Trim the collard greens into ribbons and set aside.

2. 2

   Heat a large pot to medium heat and add the bacon. Cook for 10 minutes, or until they begin to crisp up.

3. 3

   Add the onion and peppers. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring here and there, until softened.

4. 4

   Add the ham and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.

5. 5

   Stir in the chicken stock, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, chili flakes, salt and pepper, hot sauce, and reserved collard greens.

6. 6

   Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, then check for tenderness. You can easily cook 1-2 hours until done to your preference. You can simmer up to 3 hours for VERY tender collard greens.

7. 7

   Serve.