🥬 Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Ham – Bubba’s Slow Simmered Soul Food

Now, this one smells like Sunday mornin’ at Grandma’s — greens simmerin’, cornbread bakin’, and somebody tappin’ their foot on the porch. These collards are slow-cooked with smoky ham and a splash of vinegar, the way God intended.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh collard greens (rinsed well, tough stems removed)
• 1 cup smoked ham, diced (or 1 ham hock if you want it real old-school)
• 4 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp butter or bacon grease
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Prep Them Greens: Wash the collards good — you don’t want no grit in your greens. Stack a few leaves, roll ‘em up, and slice into ribbons.
2. Get the Flavor Goin’: In a big ol’ pot, melt your butter or bacon grease. Toss in the onion and cook till soft.
3. Add the Meat: Throw in your ham or ham hock and let it sizzle for a few minutes.
4. Simmer Down Now: Add the greens, broth, vinegar, and seasonings. Cover and simmer low and slow for about 1 hour, stirrin’ now and then.
5. Serve ‘Em Up: They’re done when they’re tender and the broth tastes like heaven.

Bubba’s Tip: Save that “pot likker” — that rich, smoky broth. Dip some cornbread in it, and you’ll understand life a little better.