Southern-style collard greens with smoked meat

Southern-style collard greens with smoked meat recipe videos

Southern-style collard greens with smoked meat is a classic soul food dish from the American South, where tough, earthy collard greens are slow-simmered until tender with a savory, smoky broth. The greens are traditionally cooked with a smoked pork product like ham hocks, smoked turkey, or bacon, along with onions, garlic, vinegar, and sometimes a touch of sugar.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in fiber and protein (from the smoked meat), with a moderate amount of fat, and is very low in carbohydrates. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron, with a typical serving containing roughly 150-250 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	10 g
Fat	11 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	680 mg
Vitamin A	8000 IU
Vitamin C	35 mg
Vitamin K	450 mcg
Calcium	270 mg
Iron	2.5 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Magnesium	40 mg
Folate	120 mcg

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the dish is a cornerstone of African American culinary heritage, with roots tracing back to West African cooking techniques adapted in the New World. Nutritionally, the long, slow cooking process helps break down the tough greens, making their dense nutrients more bioavailable, while the smoked meat imparts deep flavor without needing excessive added salt.