How to Make The Best Southern Collard Greens

Last Updated on August 30, 2025 by Barbara

A good Southern Soul Food Collard Greens Recipe is something every family should have. Why? Because when cooked the right way collard greens tastes so delicious and satisfying and will keep you coming back for more. Soul Food Collard Greens are loaded with flavor from the smoky meat to the salty rich broth and the spicy seasoning. They are cooked long and slow to allow all of these flavors to reach perfection. And once cooked to perfecting, the juice affectionally known as PotLiquor or Pot Likker is just as tasty as the greens. Collard greens are a delicious side dish that is great to eat for holidays or any day of the week. 

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History of Collard Greens

Southern-style collard greens or Southern Collard Greens, as some call them, have a long history, stretching back centuries in Africa. Enslaved Africans, brought these dark green leafy greens over from Africa, planting them in the Southern soil. Collard greens took root, becoming a beloved crop and a vital source of food. Collard greens, which are a part of the cabbage family, consist of green leaves that are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also a good source of fiber, a delicious side for holiday or any day of the week.

What is Collard Greens Pot Liquor (Collard Greens Pot Likker)

Collard Greens Pot Likker is the flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid left over after cooking collard greens, (or any leafy greens like collard greens, mustard greens, or turnip greens). The process of cooking greens releases many of their vitamins and minerals into the water. This makes pot likker a rich source of nutrients like iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and especially Vitamin K. The pot likker absorbs the seasoning and the flavor of the smoked meat creating a rich and deeply savory juice.

Historically, African American were resourceful and used every part of the food cooked and collard greens pot likker was no exception. Pot likker was a way to turn what might seem like leftover liquid into a delicious and nutritious part of the meal. You can drink Pot likker directly, sop with cornbread, use it as a soup base or flavor enhancer. Whatever you do don’t discard it or you will be missing out on one of the best part of collard greens.

How To Make Southern Collard Greens

Every family’s collard greens recipe is different. I make my recipe the same way my mom made hers and her mom made hers. I start with fresh greens and I trim them by removing the tough stems. I then thoroughly wash them to remove the debris from the growing field. Bags of greens can be used as an alternative to fresh. After the greens are washed and cleaned it is now time to get all the other ingredients prepared and ready. I cut my onions and garlic then measure out my seasoning and vinegar. Now the only thing left is to cook my greens to perfection.

Another key in preparing to cook greens is the use of meat. While green can be cooked without meat as a vegan/vegetarian option, It is traditionally cooked with meat. Traditionally, I use ham hocks, smoked turkey (a non-pork option) or slices bacon. Using meat to cook with your greens have several benefits. Meat enhances the flavor of greens that helps to balance any bitterness. Meat also helps to tenderize the greens and it adds texture to the greens.

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Ingredients for Southern Collard Greens

When selecting your collard greens at the grocery store colar is important. Choose vibrant deep green leaves. Try to avoid any yellowing or wilted leaves. Look for firm, crisp leaves that aren’t overly thick or leathery. Once your purchase your fresh collard greens, they can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a few days.

• Collard Greens: Collard Greens are a leafy vegetable slightly bitter in flavor. Great when cooked with smoked meat.
• Chicken Broth: Serves as the liquid that turns into delicious pot liquor. It adds depth and a rich flavor to the greens.
• Water: Added liquid for simmering the greens until tender.
• Garlic: Minced garlic Give an aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of your greens.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor that complements the collard greens as they cook.
• Smoked Turkey Wing: Smoky, salty richness and acts as a flavorful meat base in place of pork.
• White Vinegar: serves to cut through the bitterness of the greens while enhancing overall flavor.
• Salt: enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients and seasons the greens throughout.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and earthy flavor to balance the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provide a little heat, giving the collard greens a bold and flavorful kick.

Substitutions

Collard greens can be enhanced by playing a little with the seasonings. Feel free to incorporate additional seasonings such as onion powder or garlic powder. If you don’t want to use smoked turkey to cook along with your greens, try ham hock or bacon. And apple cider vinegar can take the place of the white vinegar used to enhance the flavor of your greens.

What You Will Need:

• Sharp Knife
• Tongs
• Dutch Oven

Instructions for How to Make Southern Collard Greens

1. Cutting the Greens

The stems on collard greens are pretty tough. Some don’t mind leaving them on but I prefer to remove them for several reasons. The first reason is texture. By removing the stems from your collard greens it tremendously improve the texture of the dish by allowing the greens to be smooth and tender. Another reason to remove the stems is reduced cook time. Removing the stems allow your greens to cook evenly and faster than if you left the stems on. A final reason for removing the stem from your greens is it allow the greens to be easily served and enjoyed. Take it from me. cut collard greens are easier to manage, plate and eat with a fork.

To cut the greens, first use a sharp knife to remove the stems. Next, roll the leaves tightly like a cigar and cut them into small pieces. Place the greens in your sink in cold water, clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt and rinse them well.

2. Cooking Your Greens

Start by bringing your Dutch oven to temperature over medium-high heat. Next, pour the chicken broth and water into the pot and bring the liquid to a light boil. Add the turkey, onion, and garlic. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer stovetop for 15 minutes.

Next add the greens then cover and simmer for ten minutes. continuing to cook on medium heat. After ten minutes remove the lid then season with salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Add the vinegar, mix well then cover and cook on low heat for one hour.

Allow the greens to cook for one hour then remove your turkey from the pot. Allow the turkey to cool for 5 minutes before shredding. Once shredded, return the turkey to your pot allowing your greens to cook for an additional 15.

Serve your green as a side dish or you can enjoy them alone in a bowl with the smoked meat and the pot liquor (pot likker) and a healthy slice of cornbread. However you choose to eat them I hope you enjoy this delicious collard greens recipe!

What to Serve with Southern Collard Greens

Greens pairs great with a number of dishes. I love to pair them along side fried chicken, mac and cheese , black-eyed peas, candied yams and cornbread to create the perfect soul food plate. This recipe is my go to recipe for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and any day of the week.

What to Do with Leftover Greens

Collard greens can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Make sure your greens are cooled then place in an airtight container.

Try These Other Great Recipes

• Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
• Green Beans and Potatoes
• Soul Food Recipes
• Chicken Pot Pie