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Seasoned Collard greens in a white oval serving dish over a red cloth
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Seasoned Collard Greens

My Seasoned Collard Greens recipe is a Southern staple side dish in my home. These greens are full of flavor and done in a little over 2 hours. Even those who claim they don't like collard greens LOVE my collard greens recipe.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Diet Low Calorie
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 186kcal
Author Katie

Equipment

  • Stove Top

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ¼ cup Dried Onion Flakes
  • 3 quarts Water
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Seasoned Salt
  • 4 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
  • 12 ounces Heinz Turkey Gravy
  • 2 cups Ham Pieces cubed
  • 3 pounds Chopped Fresh Collard Greens

Instructions

  • In large 10 quart stockpot on medium heat, pour in olive oil, garlic powder and onion flakes. Stir until onion flakes are coated about 1 minute.
  • Add 3 quarts water, salt, butter, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and turkey gravy. Stir well. Bring to a boil on high for about 10 minutes for flavors to combine and butter to melt.
  • While the liquid is coming to a boil start, begin to empty your bag of collard greens into a large strainer. Rinse and sort through the chopped greens removing any thick stems that might still be in the mix.
  • Add the ham pieces to the liquid. Stir well and then begin adding the chopped collard greens. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula stir and push the greens down into the liquid until the greens begin to wilt.
  • Bring the greens to a boil then reduce to medium-low heat, cook covered for 45 minutes. Stir about every 10-15 minutes to rotate leaves in the liquid.
  • Continue cooking for 1 additional hour on low with the lid on or until collards are soft and tender. Ladle into bowls and enjoy.

Notes

  • Collards - If you don't want to buy a bag of already chopped and pre-washed collards you can buy them whole. First, wash fresh collards and cut off large stems; stack leaves, roll the large leaves together (think like a jelly roll), then cut across rolled log in 1 inch strips. Repeat until all your collards are cut. Make sure you don't have large stems.
  • Spicy - If you like your greens on the spicy side you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper during step 2 when the other spices are added to the liquid mixture.
  • Meat - I like to use cubed ham. If I have ham from the holidays stored in the freezer, I'll use that instead. You can also use any type of smoked meat to simmer in your greens. You can also used smoked turkey leg or ham hocks.
  • Gravy - It might seem odd to add gravy to this greens recipe, but please trust me it works. I always use Heinz brand turkey gravy in a glass jar.
  • Gluten Free - Because I use gravy in this recipe the greens are not gluten free. However, you can substitute a gluten free gravy to make these greens work with your dietary needs. As always, always check all the packaging to ensure your ingredients are in fact gluten free.
  • Storing Leftovers - If you find yourself with leftovers, place the greens with their liquid in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
  • Freezing - If you have leftover greens you can store them (in their liquid) in an airtight container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat - Reheat the leftover refrigerated greens in the microwave or on the stove top until piping hot. If they are frozen, you will want to thaw in the refrigerator the night before OR in the microwave. Then reheat on the stove top or microwave.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5c | Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 1190mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 7068IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 333mg | Iron: 1mg