Paula Deen Collard Greens Recipe is a classic Southern comfort dish full of rich flavor. Paula Deen Collard Greens Recipe brings tender greens, smoky meat and slow-cooked taste in every bite.
This dish is very popular in soul food kitchens across America. It is warm, hearty and perfect for family meals or holiday dinners.
The slow simmering process makes the greens soft and full of deep savory flavor that feels homemade and comforting.
My Experience With This Paula Deen Collard Greens Recipe
When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised by how simple it was. The ingredients are basic but the taste is rich. The kitchen filled with a smoky, savory smell while the greens cooked slowly.
I used smoked turkey for flavor and it worked perfectly. The collard greens became soft and tender without losing their shape.
The broth was flavorful and slightly spicy. It reminded me of true Southern cooking, simple but full of heart and tradition.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Collard Greens Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southern American / Soul Food
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Colander for washing greens
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Collard Greens Recipe
- Fresh collard greens: 2 large bunches (about 2 lbs)
- Smoked turkey leg or ham hock: 1 large piece
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth: 4 cups
- Water: 2 cups
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil or bacon drippings: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
Clean and prepare the greens
Wash collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Remove tough stems and chop leaves into large pieces. Make sure no dirt remains because greens hold soil. Drain well in a colander before cooking.
Prepare the pot base
Heat olive oil or bacon drippings in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and light golden. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant and slightly golden brown.
Add smoked meat for flavor
Place smoked turkey leg or ham hock into the pot. Let it sear slightly in the onion mixture. This step builds deep smoky flavor that will slowly infuse into the broth while simmering.
Pour in liquids
Add chicken broth and water into the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a light boil. This forms the rich base that will cook the collard greens slowly and evenly.
Add collard greens slowly
Place chopped collard greens into the pot in batches. Stir as they wilt down. It may look like too much, but greens shrink significantly during cooking and absorb all the delicious flavors.
Season the dish
Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes and apple cider vinegar. Stir well so seasoning spreads evenly. Vinegar helps balance bitterness and enhances the natural earthy flavor of the collard greens.
Slow simmer cooking
Lower heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 75 to 90 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. The greens should become soft, tender, and fully infused with smoky broth flavor.
Final taste adjustment
Remove smoked meat and shred it if desired. Return meat to pot. Taste broth and adjust seasoning if needed. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Recipe Tips
- Always wash collard greens multiple times for best texture
- Slow cooking is key for deep Southern flavor
- Smoked turkey gives lighter taste than ham hock
- Add vinegar at the end for balanced flavor
- Do not rush cooking or greens will stay tough
- Use homemade broth for richer taste
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Paula Deen collard greens recipe is best served hot as a side dish. It pairs beautifully with cornbread, fried chicken or baked turkey.
You can also serve it with rice for a complete Southern-style meal. The flavorful broth can be spooned over mashed potatoes or cornmeal for extra taste.
It is perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays and family gatherings where comfort food is needed.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Buttermilk cornbread
- Fried chicken
- Mac and cheese
- Mashed potatoes
- BBQ ribs
- Black-eyed peas
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover collard greens in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor improves after resting overnight.
Reheat on the stove over low heat until warm. Add a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
Paula Deen Collard Greens Recipe
Ingredients
- Fresh collard greens: 2 large bunches about 2 lbs
- Smoked turkey leg or ham hock: 1 large piece
- Onion: 1 medium chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced
- Chicken broth: 4 cups
- Water: 2 cups
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon optional
- Salt: 1 teaspoon adjust to taste
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil or bacon drippings: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
Clean and prepare the greens
- Wash collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Remove tough stems and chop leaves into large pieces. Make sure no dirt remains because greens hold soil. Drain well in a colander before cooking.
Prepare the pot base
- Heat olive oil or bacon drippings in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and light golden. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant and slightly golden brown.
Add smoked meat for flavor
- Place smoked turkey leg or ham hock into the pot. Let it sear slightly in the onion mixture. This step builds deep smoky flavor that will slowly infuse into the broth while simmering.
Pour in liquids
- Add chicken broth and water into the pot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a light boil. This forms the rich base that will cook the collard greens slowly and evenly.
Add collard greens slowly
- Place chopped collard greens into the pot in batches. Stir as they wilt down. It may look like too much, but greens shrink significantly during cooking and absorb all the delicious flavors.
Season the dish
- Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes and apple cider vinegar. Stir well so seasoning spreads evenly. Vinegar helps balance bitterness and enhances the natural earthy flavor of the collard greens.
Slow simmer cooking
- Lower heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 75 to 90 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. The greens should become soft, tender, and fully infused with smoky broth flavor.
Final taste adjustment
- Remove smoked meat and shred it if desired. Return meat to pot. Taste broth and adjust seasoning if needed. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Always wash collard greens multiple times for best texture
- Slow cooking is key for deep Southern flavor
- Smoked turkey gives lighter taste than ham hock
- Add vinegar at the end for balanced flavor
- Do not rush cooking or greens will stay tough
- Use homemade broth for richer taste
FAQs about Paula Deen Collard Greens Recipe
1. Can I make Paula Deen collard greens recipe without meat?
Yes, you can skip smoked meat and use vegetable broth instead. The flavor will be lighter but still delicious. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for deeper taste.
2. Why are my collard greens bitter?
Bitterness usually comes from undercooking or not using seasoning balance. Slow cooking and adding vinegar helps reduce bitterness and improves overall flavor in the dish.
3. Can I use frozen collard greens?
Yes, frozen collard greens work well if fresh ones are not available. Just thaw them first and reduce cooking time slightly since they are already softened.
4. How do I know when collard greens are done?
They are done when they become soft, tender and dark green. The stems should be easy to bite and the broth should be flavorful and well blended.
Conclusion
Paula Deen Collard Greens Recipe is a timeless Southern dish full of comfort and tradition. It is simple to prepare but rich in deep smoky flavor. The slow cooking process creates tender greens that melt in your mouth.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, holidays or everyday comfort food. Once you try it, it becomes a favorite dish you will want to make again and again.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
