Poke greens with ham hock

Poke greens with ham hock is a savory Southern United States dish made from tender, slow-cooked poke weed greens flavored with a smoked ham hock. The greens are typically cleaned thoroughly and simmered for a long time to soften them, with the ham hock providing a rich, smoky, and salty broth. It's a classic example of rustic, resourceful cooking often associated with Appalachian and rural Southern cuisine.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates but high in protein and fat, primarily from the ham hock. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium, with a typical serving containing roughly 250-350 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	300 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	8 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	850 mg
Vitamin A	250% DV
Vitamin C	45% DV
Vitamin K	300% DV
Iron	20% DV
Calcium	15% DV
Potassium	450 mg
Magnesium	10% DV
Niacin (B3)	25% DV

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Poke greens are foraged from the pokeweed plant, and proper preparation is crucial to remove natural toxins, making this a dish rooted in traditional knowledge. Nutritionally, it's a powerhouse of plant-based nutrients paired with animal protein, embodying a 'waste-not, want-not' philosophy of using greens and inexpensive cuts of meat.