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chicken soup collard greens

My Black Jewish Childhood Tasted Like Chicken Soup and Collard Greens

Course Soup

Ingredients
  

  • several bunches collard greens (organic if possible)
  • an equal amount of kale
  • 1 large onion, white or yellow, diced
  • several cloves fresh garlic, diced
  • Favorite seasonings (Lawry’s Seasoning Salt is popular. Seasonest (sold in Whole Foods and online) is a Black family-owned alternative with all-natural ingredients.)
  • a few splashes of your favorite hot sauce, to taste
  • kosher salt
  • Ham hocks or turkey parts (necks, backs, wings, drumsticks) or for meat-free, two cartons veg. broth

To Serve:

  • scallions, chopped
  • white vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Soak the greens and kale in a sink or container full of lukewarm water with a sprinkling of Kosher salt for several hours or overnight.
  • (For a meat-free version, skip to step 6.) Meanwhile, sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot with your preferred neutral-tasting oil.
  • Once softened and the onion is clear, fill the pot about halfway with cool water, and add the ham hocks or turkey.
  • Bring to a boil, cover, and turn heat to a low simmer until the meat is cooked through and falling off of the bone. Let the pot cool, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
  • Remove the pot with meat from the fridge. Skim the fat from the top (optional).
  • Drain and rinse the greens to remove all the dirt.
  • For a meat-free version: Sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot with your preferred neutral-tasting oil. Once softened and the onion is clear, add the vegetable broth.
  • Tear the greens and kale from the stem, then into small pieces, and place into the pot.
  • Add your favorite seasonings and a few dashes of hot sauce.
  • Bring to a boil, then cover the pot and turn to a simmer. Cook for 4 to 6 hours until the greens are fully “cooked down” and tender.
  • Serve with scallions and/or white vinegar.