๐ Discover the ultimate collection of soul food recipes that bring Southern comfort to your kitchen! From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac & cheese and tender collard greens, these timeless dishes are rich in flavor and tradition. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cozy nights in.
Yields:ย 6-8 servings
Prep time:ย 20 minutes
Cook time:ย 1-2 hours
Ingredients:
- 2-3 bunches fresh collard greens (about 2 lbs), washed thoroughly
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or bacon grease
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ham hock or 4-6 slices of bacon, diced (optional, for flavor)
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance bitterness)
Equipment:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Collard Greens
- Rinse the collard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Stack a few leaves on top of each other, and then fold them in half lengthwise. Cut out the thick center stem.
- Roll the stack of leaves tightly like a cigar and then slice them crosswise into 1-2 inch wide ribbons.
Step 2: Sautรฉ Aromatics and Meat (if using)
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or bacon grease over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using bacon, cook the diced bacon in the pot until crispy before adding the onion and garlic. If using a ham hock, add it to the pot now.
Step 3: Cook the Collard Greens
- Add the sliced collard greens to the pot. They will seem like a lot at first, but they will wilt down as they cook. Pour in the chicken broth or water, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the collard greens simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, until they are very tender. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed to keep them from drying out. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a pinch of sugar if they taste too bitter. If using a ham hock, remove it at the end of cooking, shred any meat from the bone, and return it to the greens.
Enjoy your homemade Soul Food!
