Black Folks Soul Food Collard Greens Recipe (2024)

Black folks’ collard greens are an iconic recipe and a beloved vegetable in the South. Growing up in Southern Virginia, I gained a lot of knowledge of authentic African American soul food recipes, and collard greens were one of those soul food side dishes always on our plates!

So, you’re in the right place to learn just how easy it is to make this Southern side dish and Black folks’ food staple full of flavor. I’ll share why collard greens are both nutritious and delicious, especially when prepared the Black folks’ way—soul food seasoned to perfection!

A Black folks’ collard greens recipe is a mainstay of traditional Southern cooking and Black American cultural traditions. Southerners often cook them with a variety of meat additions for that special soul food flavor.

From fatback to bacon or bacon grease. Smoked ham hocks or asmoked turkey leg. Then add vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes. The result is rich green leaves that are so good that, like they say in the South – “Make you wanna slap yo mama!” (But please don’t.)

What is a Black folks collard greens recipe?

Black folks’ collard greens are the quintessential dish of any Southern soul food dinner. And with good reason!

Black folks have mastered how collards soak up seasonings to create an incredible sauce or stew (read on to learn about pot likker). Collards are one of those foods you can eat on their own or as a complement to just about anything else on your plate.

“Why be eye candy when you can be soul food?” Or both! Because soul food collard greens are the eye candy of the South. But only when they’re seasoned the best way – the Black folks’ way!

What is the Black history of collard greens?

Collard greens are an old-fashioned Southern dish attributed to African Americans. Enslaved Black folks brought their traditional cooking methods from Africa, and used these cooking techniques to elevate collard greens to the Southern soul food cuisine we know and love today. Learn more about the history of soul food in my post about Black History Month HERE.

Why are collard greens popular in the South?

Southern cuisine features soul food collard greens as the main staple ingredient to any proper soul food meal.But why?

The availability of these leafy greens all year round has also made it an integral part of Southern Black Americans’ cuisine.

Are Black folks collard greens good for you?

“Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul.” – Cookbook author Shaunda Necole

Collard greens are not just Southern comfort food. As far as nutritional benefits are concerned, this Black folks’ recipe is an excellent source of calcium. Collards are an excellent food option for keto and plenty full of calcium – unbelievably more than cow’s milk per serving! So feel free to have seconds!

Recommended kitchen equipment for Black folks collard greens

• Instant Pot electric pressure cooker
• Shop my kitchenware HERE!

Ingredients for Black folks soul food collard greens

*See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients with measurements.

• Collard greens – How many collard greens do you need? Fresh collards are often sold in bundles. 3 bundles equals the 2 pounds needed.
• Smoked turkey leg – Optional, for an infusion of smokey flavor.
• Yellow onion – A flavor powerhouse of sweet and savory.
• Tomatoes – An acidic balance to the greens and seasonings.
• Chicken stock – Use a chicken stock base (or chicken broth) instead of water for more flavor. (Use vegetable stock for vegan and vegetarian.)
• Apple cider vinegar – Why do you put vinegar in collard greens? Vinegar adds flavor, helps to tenderize the greens while cooking, and cuts the bitter taste.
• Worcestershire sauce – Infuses warmth and unique flavor.
• Honey – For a mildly sweet balance to the savory dish.
• Sriracha or hot sauce – For mild heat!
• Garlic – The perfect flavor to marry with the dish’s seasonings and spices.
• Old Bay seasoning, Cajun, or Creole seasoning– For an unexpected tangy, well-seasoned profile.
• Red pepper flakes – For a seasoned yet mild kick.
• Salt – The seasoning base.
• Black pepper – Salt’s seasoning and balancing counterpart.

How do you make this Black folks collard greens recipe?

It’s so easy to make soul food collards once you know which seasonings and how much of each. A few bundles of collards, onion, chicken stock, garlic, hot sauce, salt, and pepper are just a few of the pantry ingredients you’ll need.

Grandmas say a pinch of this and a dash of that.Luckily, I’ve broken it down – how to make soul food collards in simple recipe measurements with instructions, too!

A Black folks collard greens recipe holds a special place in the hearts of African Americans. It’s similar toBlack folks baked macaroni and cheese, meaning in Black culture, you must be invited by specific family members to make it! For Black people, that would be a retiring-from-the-kitchen grandma, mama, or auntie who gives you the nod to continue the legacy of making this Black people soul food delicacy. (Oh, yeah – it’s that serious!)

But… if you follow my instructions below – this could be your year of receiving the legacy invitation to officially make this dish!Made by hand and blessed with love, you’ll lift every spirit at the table as your family indulges in this flavorful dish.

How to cook Black folks collard greens

How long does it take to cook collard greens?

It only takes 15 minutes to cook collard greens in an Instant Pot, followed by a 15-minute pressure release.This means no more stewing over a hot pot all day at the stove to enjoy this classic dish!
I explain more about how long greens should be cooked in my post HERE.

How to make your collard greens tender?

Pressure cook or slow-cook collards with the addition of vinegar will make tender greens.
*See the recipe card below for detailed instructions with step-by-step guided pictures.

1. Clean the collard greens.
2. Cut off the stems.
3. Chop the leaves in half through the midline and then into bite-sized pieces.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the instant Pot.
5. Next, add the vegetables and seasonings.
6. Finally, add the collard greens, followed by the cooked turkey leg.
7. Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
8. Serve this Black folks’ soul food collard greens right away and enjoy!

🥬 See my recipe card HERE for how to cook collard greens on the stovetop.

🎙 Listen to The Soul Food Pod episode: Soul Food Southern Collard Greens Recipe

Keep the podcast conversation going about soul food Southern collard greens recipes HERE!

Success tips for a Black folks’ collard greens recipe

How do you clean collard greens? Fresh collard, mustard, or turnip greens are easy to clean. Run each leaf under cold water, discarding limp leaves. I talk more about my favorite way to clean and cut collard greens in my post HERE.

Can you make soul food collard greens with pre-cleaned and cut greens in the bag, or do you have to use fresh collards? Great question! And the answer is yes – for your convenience, you can absolutely use the pre-cut greens in the bag if fresh collards aren’t handy. This will save you a step!

What takes bitterness out of collard greens? You won’t have to do anything but stick to the recipe’s ingredients and add vinegar, which tenderizes the dense leaves and allows the seasonings and spices to seep in, removing the bitterness of the raw greens.

Why put baking soda in collard greens? Some cooks add a pinch of baking soda when cooking collard greens to preserve the chlorophyll that gives green vegetables, like those in the cabbage family, their naturally vibrant green color.

Baking soda is not a necessary ingredient for collards. It’s only used if you’re concerned and don’t want your cooked green vegetables having a brownish-green hue.

What meat is used to season collard greens? It’s not required but highly encouraged that if you’re cooking with a Black folks soul food collard greens recipe, you season with the addition of meat.

A ham hock or aturkey legis most common, and the latter is exactly what this soul food collard greens recipe uses.The turkey leg will add a richness and depth of flavor that cannot be achieved using any other type of meat and is a great alternative to cooking without pork.

Can you make this Southern collard greens recipe without meat? This recipe calls for a turkey leg, but it’s optional. You can make it vegetarian-friendly by eliminating the meat and the chicken stock (replace with vegetable stock).

What do you serve with these Black folks Southern soul food collard greens?

Collard greens are typically served with meat in Black folks’ recipes. Usually, buttermilk fried chicken, Black folks chicken deep-fried (or air fryer fried chicken), pork chops, roasted turkey, turkey legs, or oxtail. For pairing soul food sides, you could make a traditional pot of beans or black-eyed peas and homemade cornbread to serve with soul food collard greens. And don’t forget the Black folk’s sweet potato pie!

It’d be almost sacrilegious to serve soul food collard greens without Black folks Southern candies yams. (Uh-uh. Don’t do dat!)

Black folks soul food collard greens recipe FAQ’s

What is pot likker?

Pot likker (sometimes spelled potlikker or pot liquor) is the liquid broth left over after cooking beans or greens – like Southern collard greens!

How are collard greens sourced?

Collard greens can be sourced from farmers’ markets, produce areas at grocery stores, or local organic markets. Farmers’ markets offer an eco-sustainable option while also supporting your community!

How to store and reheat collard greens

Do you refrigerate collard greens?Yes, the recipe is full of perishable vegetables.

How long will collard greens last in the refrigerator?Cooked greens can be stored in the fridge for 5 days.

Can you reheat soul food collard greens?Yes, collards can be quickly rewarmed in the microwave or oven.

Can you use frozen collard greens? Frozen collard greens are a great example of how this vegetable can last in your freezer for months without losing any quality or flavor. Add them to the pot and cook as usual!

What do you think about this recipe?

Collard greens are a vegetable I’ve been eating my whole life. For Sunday soul food dinners, on the soul food Thanksgiving menu,Christmas dinner, and New Year’sin a hoppin John recipe.

Collard greens are a staple food for many people because they can be cooked in so many different ways. They’re versatile – just like Black folks, and easy for anyone to make and everyone to love!

Have you had it?

Would you make it?

Comment below and lemme know.

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