Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 pound smoked ham hocks or diced ham
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance bitterness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic (Optional):

• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped.

1. Add Ingredients to Crock Pot:

• In the crock pot, combine the collard greens, sautéed onion and garlic (if using), ham hocks or diced ham, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper.

1. Cook:

• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the collard greens are tender.

1. Adjust Seasoning:

• Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

1. Serve:

• Remove the ham hocks, if used, and shred the meat from the bones to add back to the greens. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice for a hearty meal.

Enjoy! 🍽️

This Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham dish is perfect for a comforting meal and pairs wonderfully with cornbread!