It’s odd, living in the South, but I’ve found that many folks are scared of greens — not only preparing them, but eating them, too. Southern collard greens are just about my favorite vegetable. Here is a super-easy way to make some of the best Southern collard greens you’ve ever had, cooked with a smoked ham hock.

Complete your New Year’s meal with an easy, old-fashioned family recipe. (Southern Bite)

Southern Collard Greens

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 2 hours

Total time: 2 hours and 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds washed and chopped collard greens
• 3 quarts water
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 3 chicken bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Instructions

• Combine water, ham hock, bouillon cubes, salt, garlic and onion in a large pot and bring to a boil.
• Carefully add collards, allowing them to cook down a minute or two to allow the rest to fit into the pot.
• Cover and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring every now and then, or until the collards are tender.
• When ready to serve, stir in the vinegar.
• If you’d like, remove the ham hock and shred the meat.
• Return the meat to the greens and serve.

 This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”