Garlic and Ham Collard Greens

Image: Serving plate containing cooked collard greens and pieces of ham

Description: Collard greens were a regular staple in my home growing up and almost every holiday gathering featured these tasty greens! Here is my version of the family favorite recipe!

Yield: Makes 4-6 Servings

Ingredients:

• 3 bunches of collards (roughly 7-8 cups), washed, de-stemmed and sliced into ribbons

• 2 1/2 cups hot water

• 1 cup chopped ham

• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced (to taste)

• 1 teaspoon avocado oil

• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vegetable bouillon

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp hot pepper flake

• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

• Hot pepper sauce (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat a large stock pot to medium heat. Add the oil to the pan.

Add the chopped ham to the pot and cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

Add the hot pepper flake and minced garlic to the pot and turn the heat to low. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes to sweat the garlic.

Then, add the collards, spices, water, and vegetable bouillon to the pan and turn the heat to medium high.

Once the pot is boiling, stir to dissolve the bouillon into the mixture. Reduce heat to low again, and simmer for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are really tender.

In the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, add the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar, and stir to combine.

Plate up your greens, then top with hot sauce (if using). Serve and enjoy!