Southern Comfort Potlikker Stew

Ingredients

• 2 smoked ham hocks 2 smoked ham hocks
• 1 large onion, diced 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken or vegetable broth 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 bunches of collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped 2 bunches of collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste Salt and black pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the smoked ham hocks to the pot and cook for a few minutes until they start to brown.
3. 3.
   Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the greens are tender.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the ham hocks from the pot and shred the meat. Discard the bones and return the shredded meat to the stew.
8. 8.
   Serve the Potlikker Stew hot, either on its own or over rice. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Smoked ham hocks — Make sure to choose high-quality smoked ham hocks to enhance the flavor of the stew. If you prefer a milder smoky taste, you can use smoked turkey legs as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the stew.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ham hocks with smoked tofu or tempeh for a smoky flavor.
• To save time, you can use pre-washed and pre-chopped collard greens from the grocery store.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• Serve the stew with a side of cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful potlikker.

Serving advice

Serve the Southern Comfort Potlikker Stew in bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. Accompany it with a slice of warm cornbread or a crusty baguette to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Potlikker Stew, place a few collard green leaves on top of the stew as a garnish. This adds a pop of vibrant green color and showcases the star ingredient of the dish.