BIG DADDY JAY'S COLLARD GREENS 
2 bunches collard greens
1 or 2 ham hocks
4 to 6 cups chicken broth
1 onion
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or chili) flakes
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons lard
1 teaspoons salt

Wash collards and cut off large stems; cut into 1-inch strips. In a large stock pot, brown onion and ham hocks in lard (Note: Olive oil can be substituted).

Add chicken broth and collards. Cook over medium-low heat for 30-45 minutes. Stir in red pepper or chili flakes, sugar and vinegar. Continue cooking until collards are tender. Adjust seasoning to your taste and enjoy.

Cooks Note: This recipe can be used for all types of greens: kale, collards, Chinese cabbage, spinach, etc. Just adjust the cooking time according to the greens you're cooking (for example, spinach would only require a few minutes to be tender). A dash of hot sauce can be added at the finish, if desired.

Variations: Add a few cloves of minced garlic and use olive oil to sauté the greens. Pancetta, prosciutto, or lean salt pork can be chopped into 1/8-inch bits and fried until crispy in olive oil; the drippings can then be used to cook and flavor the greens.

Submitted by: Jason

recipe reviews
Big Daddy Jay's Collard Greens
 #190977
 CynBur (Florida) says:
I've never liked collards, but it doesn't mean I don't cook them for everyone else. Good recipe. Instead of olive oil or lard, I use bacon grease to brown the onions and ham hocks, gives it an additional smokey flavor.
   #189500
 Ebony (California) says:
I have been making this version for the longest. As you know most of us folks don't measure, but these greens are the business.
   #188662
 Peggy (Indiana) says:
This is by far the most delicious greens recipe I have ever used. Not only can you use it for collards, you can use it for spinach, turnip greens, kale, and any green you choose. It is excellent.
   #185834
 Phyllis (Virginia) says:
To help you hurry and get this pot rolling... use a "pizza cutter" to help with the collard prep. Fold leaf in half, run pizza cutter up center (removes the stem), then proceed to cut collard leaves into the size you prefer. SO much faster. This one kitchen tool has many great uses... including trimming dough, etc.
   #184565
 CynBur (Florida) says:
Good recipe. I like using bacon grease instead of lard, keeps that smoke flavor in from the ham.
   #183518
 Bridget (Alaska) says:
I have been making this recipe for years and my family absolutely loves it, I always make a double batch since my oldest son could eat a single batch all on his own!
   #183479
 Phyllis (Virginia) says:
When collards are tender - remove ham hock. (Shred any lean mean off of the hock - and return to the pot). The pot liquor itself is fantastic. I also add one large diced up onion to this pot as cooking begins. Fantastic. No other recipe can touch this!
   #182968
 Sweetie (Texas) says:
Delicious!! I tell people about your collard greens. Thank you so much.
   #176987
 Mike N. (Ontario) says:
The only problem I have with this recipe is that I'm no longer allowed for the holidays unless I bring these collards with me! Best collards ever! I do add smoked pork neckbones for a smokey taste and dice up the meat from them just before collards are done. Thanks again!
   #175999
 Rhonda (Iowa) says:
This is the best collard greens recipe by far! It tastes just like the greens my Grandma used to make.. she called the juice "pot liquor". Thanks for sharing!
   #174292
 Bama Mike (United States) says:
Perfect recipe, taste like mom's. Every one agrees the flavor is fantastic. Smoked Turkey Necks work well along with garlic.
   #168397
 Karen (Maine) says:
Tried this recipe. It is the best one. :)
   #152266
 Nicole Courtney says:
Amazing!!!!
 #134185
 Eric i. (Ohio) says:
ITS AMAZING. Made it for all sorts of events in the last few years.
   #117552
 MiMi Owens (Texas) says:
This was my first attempt at making greens and I have to say they tasted as if Mr. Jay cooked them himself! AWESOME recipe! This will definitely be a family favorite for years to come. Thanks! =)

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