The Best Southern Collard Greens| How To Make Greens Easy

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is rich in healthy fats.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and can be homemade.

Use pre-cut collard greens or cut 2 pounds of collard greens yourself.

Chop 8 ounces of ham steak into small cubes.

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.

Add the chopped ham steak to the pot and sauté until browned.

Chop 1 small onion and 1 green bell pepper and add them to the pot along with a little salt and black pepper.

Sauté for about 1 minute until the onion is translucent.

Add chicken bouillon (or chicken powder) to the pot for flavor.

Pour in 2 cups of water and stir to combine.

Add 1 pound of collard greens to the pot, packing them in tightly.

Cover the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes to wilt the greens.

After 3-4 minutes, stir the greens to help with wilting, then cover again.

Continue to cook for about 2.5 hours, checking periodically and adding more water as needed to avoid a watery soup.

After about 15 minutes, add cayenne pepper and more black pepper to taste, but no salt yet.

Add 2 more cups of water gradually as needed during cooking to maintain moisture without making it soupy.

After 2 hours, taste the greens and adjust seasoning; add white sugar (about 1.5 tablespoons) and white vinegar (about 2.5 tablespoons) to balance flavors.

Add a few dashes of hot sauce for flavor.

Cover and let simmer for an additional 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: