Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Shank

Hands down, my very favorite vegetable side is collard greens with smoked ham shank! This is such a heart and filling veggie side and has so much depth to the flavor. I like to take two days to make my collard greens so I can actually use the broth I cooked the ham shank in. Letting that broth cool in the fridge for a day really allows the fat to rise to the top so it is easy to scrape off. That way you aren't left with greasy greens.

Collard Greens
Makes 6-8 servings

• Ingredients:
• 2 quarts chicken stock
• 1 head collard greens cleaned and cut into 1"-2" pieces or 1 package pre-cleaned pre-sliced collard greens 
• 1 small onion diced
• 6-7 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp creole or cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flake to taste
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

How to Make Collard Greens Day 1:

1. Combine your ham shank and chicken stock in a large stock pot and bring to a boil. 
2. Cover and turn to low to simmer for 2-3 hours until falling off the bone. 
3. Remove the ham shank from the broth and discard the bone and fat. Shred the additional meat and place in an airtight container over night. 
4. Place the broth in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator overnight as well. 

How to Make Collard Greens Day 2:

1. Remove the broth from the fridge and skim the fat off the top. Set aside. 
2. Drizzle a large stock pot with about 1 tbsp of olive oil. Saute your onion and garlic until your onion is translucent. Add in your creole or cajun seasoning and stir for about 1 minute more. 
3. Add in your broth, then allow to come to a boil. 
4. Add in your collard greens and ham shank and bring to a boil. Season to taste.
5. Reduce to a simmer and allow to cook down for 1.5 to 2 hours. 
6. 15-20 minutes before serving, adjust seasoning as needed and add in the apple cider vinegar. 

You will not be disappointed with this recipe. Hearty, homey, and delicious!

Enjoy!

~H