Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham

Slow Cooker Southern Comfort: Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham

There's something undeniably comforting about a slow-cooked pot of collard greens, especially when simmered with a smoky ham hock. This recipe, passed down through generations in my family, is more than just a dish; it's a taste of home, a reminder of simpler times, and a testament to the magic of letting ingredients meld together over low heat. It's the kind of food that warms you from the inside out, filling your kitchen with aromas that evoke memories of family gatherings and hearty meals shared around a table.

The beauty of this crock pot collard greens recipe lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal prep work – simply rinse the collard greens, remove any tough stems, and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. The ham hock provides a deep, savory flavor that infuses the greens as they slowly cook. The optional bacon adds a smoky richness, and the touch of vinegar and hot sauce at the end brightens the overall flavor profile, adding a pleasant zing. But even without those additions, the dish stands on its own, a testament to the inherent deliciousness of simple, well-cooked ingredients.

I often make a big batch of these collard greens on a Sunday, knowing that I'll have delicious leftovers for lunches throughout the week. They are perfect as a side dish to just about anything – fried chicken, pulled pork, grilled fish, or even a simple plate of cornbread. The pot likker, the flavorful liquid left in the crock pot after cooking, is a culinary treasure in itself. It’s not just a byproduct; it’s a delicious broth that adds another layer of flavor to the greens and can even be used as a base for soups or stews. It’s the ultimate example of not wasting anything and maximizing the flavour from your ingredients.

This recipe isn't just about the food itself; it's about the process. It's about the slow, deliberate cooking, the comforting aroma that fills your home, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious and nourishing from humble ingredients. It’s a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple pleasures in life. It’s a dish that speaks volumes about comfort, family, and the enduring power of traditional cooking.

Beyond the practical aspects, making this dish is a sensory experience. The subtle crackling of the bacon as it renders in the pan, the fragrant steam rising from the crock pot as the greens simmer, the rich, earthy aroma that permeates the kitchen – these are all part of the magic of this recipe. And the final product? Tender, flavorful collard greens, imbued with the smoky depth of the ham hock, offering a taste of Southern comfort that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. It's a dish that transcends mere sustenance; it's an invitation to slow down, relax, and appreciate the simple joys of good food and good company.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a side dish with fried chicken, pulled pork, or grilled fish.
• Enjoy with cornbread to soak up the delicious pot likker.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for extra richness.
• Use the pot likker as a base for soup or stew.

Variations:

• Add other vegetables, such as potatoes or carrots, for a heartier meal.
• Experiment with different types of ham or pork.
• Substitute kale or other leafy greens for the collard greens.
• Adjust the amount of seasoning to your liking.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this crock pot collard greens and ham recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It's a dish that’s both comforting and delicious, a testament to the power of slow cooking and the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals. Give it a try, and experience the magic of Southern comfort for yourself.

Step-by-step

• Note: be sure to rinse collards thoroughly before using. Remove any thick stems and tear or chop leaves into strips.
• Cook bacon in a skillet until the fat renders and bacon becomes translucent.
• Place bacon, with its drippings, into the bottom of the crock pot.
• Add the greens, ham hock, salt, pepper, and water into crock pot.
• Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
• Remove ham hock, discard skin and shred meat, returning meat to crock pot.
• Serve greens with minced onion, vinegar and Tabasco, if desired.