Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. They’re packed with nutrients, easy to prepare, and absolutely delicious. And when you add ham hocks to the mix, you get a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
But what if you don’t have fresh collard greens on hand? Can you still make this classic dish with frozen greens? The answer is yes!
In this article, we’ll show you how to cook frozen collard greens with ham hocks, so you can enjoy this Southern favorite any time of year.
So grab your slow cooker or Dutch oven, and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Frozen Collard Greens With Ham Hocks?
Step 1: Thaw the Collard Greens
The first step in cooking frozen collard greens with ham hocks is to thaw them. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or by placing them in a bowl of cold water for a few hours.
Step 2: Cook the Ham Hocks
Place the ham hocks and 8 cups of water into a slow cooker. Set the slow cooker on high, and let cook for 3 hours, or until tender. Alternatively, you can boil the ham hocks in a pot of water for 45 minutes to an hour until they become tender.
Step 3: Add the Collard Greens
Once the ham hocks are cooked, transfer them and the liquid to a large pot. Place the pot over medium-high heat and start adding in the collard greens. If you’re using a Dutch oven, you can sauté onions and garlic in oil before adding the greens. Once all of the collard greens are in the pot, add in any additional seasonings you prefer, such as onions, peppers, garlic, and Creole seasoning. Give everything a nice stir, then add in vinegar to taste.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Reduce the heat to medium and let the greens cook for about an hour or until they’re tender. If you’re using a slow cooker, you can cook on low for 6-8 hours instead.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your collard greens with ham hocks are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! You can serve them as a side dish or as a main course with cornbread or rice.
Preparing The Ham Hocks
Before cooking the ham hocks, it’s important to prepare them properly to ensure the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen ham hocks, be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight or in a bowl of cold water for a few hours before cooking.
To cook the ham hocks, you can either use a slow cooker or boil them in a pot of water. For the slow cooker method, place the ham hocks and 8 cups of water into the slow cooker and set it on high for 3 hours or until tender. If boiling in a pot, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the ham hocks. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes to an hour until tender.
Once the ham hocks are cooked, transfer them and the cooking liquid to a large pot. You can now add the collard greens and any additional seasonings you prefer, such as onions, peppers, garlic, and Creole seasoning. If using a Dutch oven, you can sauté onions and garlic in oil before adding the greens.
Finally, let everything cook together until the collard greens are tender. This can take about an hour over medium heat or 6-8 hours on low in a slow cooker. Once done, serve your delicious collard greens with ham hocks as a side dish or main course.
Thawing And Preparing The Frozen Collard Greens
Thawing frozen collard greens is a crucial step before cooking them with ham hocks. Improper thawing can lead to a mushy and soggy texture, which can ruin the dish. There are several methods for thawing frozen collard greens, and the best one depends on how quickly you need them to be ready.
One option is to thaw them at room temperature by placing them in a bowl of cold water. This method allows the greens to thaw slowly, preserving their texture and flavor. However, it can take some time, so plan ahead if you choose this method.
Another method is to thaw the collard greens in the refrigerator overnight. This is a slower method but ensures that the greens remain fresh and don’t lose any of their nutrients.
Once the collard greens are thawed, it’s important to prepare them properly before cooking. If the greens were frozen after cooking, they can be added directly to the pot with the ham hocks. However, if they were frozen raw, they should be blanched first to preserve their color and texture.
To blanch collard greens, bring a pot of water to boil and add the greens. Boil for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the greens thoroughly before adding them to the pot with the ham hocks.
Cooking The Ham Hocks And Collard Greens Together
When cooking frozen collard greens with ham hocks, it’s important to cook them together to infuse the flavors. There are a few different methods you can use to cook the ham hocks and collard greens together.
One method is to cook the ham hocks in a pot or Dutch oven for a few hours until they’re tender. Once the ham hocks are cooked, remove them from the pot and set them aside. Then, add the collard greens to the pot with some chicken or vegetable broth, along with any additional seasonings you prefer. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about an hour or until the collard greens are tender. Finally, add the ham hocks back into the pot and let them heat through before serving.
Another method is to cook the ham hocks and collard greens together in a slow cooker. Simply place the ham hocks in the slow cooker with some water or broth and let them cook on high for a few hours until tender. Then, add the collard greens to the slow cooker along with any additional seasonings you prefer. Cook everything on low for 6-8 hours or until the collard greens are tender.
No matter which method you choose, cooking the ham hocks and collard greens together will result in a deliciously flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Adding Flavorful Seasonings
Adding flavorful seasonings is key to making your collard greens with ham hocks taste amazing. While the ham hocks will add a lot of flavor to the dish, you can add additional seasonings to enhance the taste even more.
One popular seasoning to add is onions. You can sauté onions in oil before adding the collard greens to the pot. This will give the dish a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the ham hocks.
Another great seasoning to add is peppers. You can use any type of pepper you like, such as jalapeño, serrano, or bell peppers. Peppers will add a nice kick to the dish and balance out the flavors.
Garlic is another seasoning that goes well with collard greens and ham hocks. You can sauté garlic with the onions, or simply add minced garlic to the pot with the collard greens.
Creole seasoning is also a great addition to this dish. It’s a blend of spices that typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. It adds a lot of depth and complexity to the dish.
Finally, don’t forget about vinegar! Adding vinegar to your collard greens with ham hocks will give them a tangy flavor that complements the other seasonings. You can add it to the pot while cooking or let individual diners season their greens with it at the table.
By adding these flavorful seasonings, you can take your collard greens with ham hocks from good to great! Experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect blend of flavors for your taste buds.
Serving And Enjoying Your Collard Greens With Ham Hocks
Now that your collard greens with ham hocks are ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy them! Here are some tips on how to make the most out of this delicious Southern comfort food:
1. Serve hot: Collard greens with ham hocks taste best when they’re served hot. Make sure to keep them warm until you’re ready to serve.
2. Pair with cornbread: Cornbread is the perfect side dish to serve with collard greens and ham hocks. The sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly.
3. Add hot sauce: If you like a little bit of spice, add some hot sauce to your collard greens. It’ll give them an extra kick of flavor.
4. Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, make sure to store them properly in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for up to three days.
5. Reheat properly: When reheating your collard greens, make sure to do so slowly over low heat. This will prevent them from becoming mushy or losing their flavor.
With these tips, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your delicious collard greens with ham hocks. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday dinner or just a weeknight meal, they’re sure to be a hit!