Hearty Soul Food Comfort Dinner You’ll Crave on Repeat

A hearty soul food comfort dinner youll crave on repeat!: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine coming home on a chilly evening, craving that warm, soul-nourishing meal that wraps you in a hug from the inside out. That’s exactly what this a hearty soul food comfort dinner youll crave on repeat! delivers—a rich, flavorful feast inspired by Southern traditions that will have you making it weekly. As a staple in soul food cuisine, this recipe combines smoky, tender elements with fresh greens for an authentic experience that’s both satisfying and simple. Picture the aroma of simmering collard greens infusing your kitchen, making it the ultimate comfort dinner for family gatherings or a quiet night in. Within the first few bites, you’ll understand why this version from cookinwithlalyta.com stands out with its incredibly flavorful simmer technique that locks in deep, layered tastes.

The flavors of this a hearty soul food comfort dinner youll crave on repeat! are nothing short of mesmerizing—think smoky ham hocks mingling with earthy collard greens, creating a savory broth that dances on your tongue. The textures offer a delightful contrast: tender, melt-in-your-mouth greens paired with the slight chew of shredded ham, all brought together in a hearty stew that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Aromas of garlic and onion fill the air, evoking memories of family dinners and Southern hospitality, while the subtle heat from optional hot sauce adds a playful kick that keeps every spoonful exciting.

What makes this a hearty soul food comfort dinner youll crave on repeat! from cookinwithlalyta.com truly special is the expert touch of Chef Lalybeth, whose years of perfecting soul food recipes ensure an authentic, foolproof result every time. You’ll discover the Chef’s Secret: our incredibly flavorful simmer technique that infuses maximum depth without overcomplicating the process. In this post, we’ll guide you through every detail, from ingredient spotlights to pro tips, so you can confidently whip up this dish and impress your loved ones. Plus, we’ll cover common questions and storage hacks to make it your go-to soul food dinner recipe.

Why This A hearty soul food comfort dinner youll crave on repeat! Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret lies in our incredibly flavorful simmer technique, which slowly extracts the rich, smoky essence from the ham hocks into the broth, creating a depth of flavor that elevates this soul food dinner recipe far beyond basic versions. By simmering the ingredients for the full specified time, we ensure that the collard greens absorb all that goodness, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish that’s authentically Southern and irresistibly crave-worthy.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the texture comes from the low-and-slow cooking method, which breaks down the collard greens’ fibers while keeping the ham hocks juicy. This technique prevents the greens from becoming mushy by maintaining a gentle simmer, allowing the natural pectin in the vegetables to create a silky broth that coats every bite perfectly.

Foolproof for a Reason: This recipe has been tested multiple times in our kitchen to guarantee success, even for beginner cooks. With clear steps and pro tips, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and achieve consistent results, making this a hearty soul food comfort dinner youll crave on repeat! a reliable favorite for any occasion.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

Smoked ham hocks are the star of this soul food dinner recipe, providing a deep, smoky flavor that forms the base of the broth. Their rich, fatty profile infuses the dish with savory depth, making it hearty and satisfying. Opt for high-quality, fresh ham hocks from a reputable butcher to ensure the best taste and texture. If you’re looking for a substitution, try turkey necks for a lighter option, especially for those watching their fat intake, but note that it might slightly alter the traditional smokiness.

Collard greens bring an earthy, nutritious element to this a hearty soul food comfort dinner youll crave on repeat!, packed with vitamins and a slight bitterness that balances the richness. Fresh, vibrant bunches are key for the best texture, so wash them thoroughly to remove any grit. For a substitution, kale can work if collards are unavailable, offering a similar heartiness while being more readily accessible, which is great for dietary preferences like low-carb eating.

Onion adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that enhances the overall flavor profile of this comfort dinner. Dicing a fresh onion releases its natural sugars during cooking, creating a subtle sweetness that complements the smokiness. Always use a firm, yellow onion for the best results; if needed, substitute with shallots for a milder taste, ideal for those with a sensitivity to strong flavors.

Garlic provides a pungent, robust kick that ties all the ingredients together in this soul food classic. Freshly minced cloves offer the most intense flavor, so avoid pre-chopped versions for authenticity. If you’re allergic, consider using garlic powder as a substitute, though it won’t be as vibrant—start with half the amount to maintain balance.

Chicken broth serves as the liquid backbone, adding a savory depth that makes this a hearty soul food comfort dinner youll crave on repeat! so irresistible. Choose low-sodium versions to control the seasoning; vegetable broth can be substituted for a vegetarian twist, ensuring the dish remains flavorful without compromising its comforting essence.

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, allowing you to tailor the taste to your preference in this soul food dinner recipe. High-quality sea salt enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming them. For dietary restrictions, use potassium-based salt alternatives if needed, but adjust quantities carefully to avoid over-salting.

Optional hot sauce offers a customizable heat that can elevate the dish’s complexity. A good-quality brand ensures authentic flavor; if you’re avoiding spice, simply omit it or use a mild version like sriracha for a subtle tang.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Smoked Ham Hocks

Start by placing 1 lb of smoked ham hocks in a large pot and covering them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 1 hour. This initial step extracts the rich flavors and tenderizes the meat.

Pro Tip: Use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly, preventing the ham hocks from sticking and ensuring a more flavorful broth.

Step 2: Adding the Vegetables

After the ham hocks have simmered for an hour, add 2 bunches of washed and chopped collard greens, 1 diced onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth to cover the ingredients, then stir gently to combine.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this can lead to uneven cooking; ensure the greens are spread out for proper wilting.

Step 3: Seasoning and Simmering

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting based on the broth’s saltiness. Let everything simmer for another 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the collard greens are tender and infused with flavor.

Pro Tip: Taste the broth midway through simmering to fine-tune seasoning, as the flavors intensify over time for an incredibly flavorful result.

Step 4: Shredding and Final Touches

Once the greens are tender, remove the ham hocks from the pot using tongs. Allow them to cool slightly, then shred the meat and add it back into the pot, stirring to incorporate.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Be careful not to over-shred the meat, as it can become stringy; aim for bite-sized pieces to maintain the hearty texture.

Step 5: Serving the Dish

Finally, serve the mixture hot, ladling it into bowls for immediate enjoyment. This completes your a hearty soul food comfort dinner youll crave on repeat!

Pro Tip: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall comfort dinner experience.

Serving & Presentation

For an impressive presentation of this soul food dinner recipe, plate the hearty greens and shredded ham in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant green colors and rich broth. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a pop of heat and visual appeal. Complementary side dishes like warm cornbread, which soaks up the flavorful broth perfectly, or a simple side of rice, add balance and make this a hearty soul food comfort dinner youll crave on repeat! even more satisfying. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh salad to lighten the richness, turning it into a well-rounded Southern feast.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the smoked ham hocks and collard greens mixture up to 2 days in advance by following the steps up to the final simmer, then cool and refrigerate in an airtight container. On the day of serving, reheat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the flavors, making this a hearty soul food comfort dinner youll crave on repeat! ideal for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers: Store any remaining portions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in sealed containers to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months; use freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn and preserve the dish’s authentic taste.

The Best Way to Reheat: Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a bit of added broth to restore the original tender texture and flavors, ensuring your soul food dinner recipe tastes just as good as when freshly made.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Print

A Hearty Soul Food Comfort Dinner Youll Crave on Repeat

---

• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A delicious and comforting soul food dinner featuring classic flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb smoked ham hocks
• 2 bunches collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Hot sauce for serving

---

Instructions

1. In a large pot, add the smoked ham hocks and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour.
2. Add the collard greens, onion, and garlic to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 45 minutes until greens are tender.
4. Remove ham hocks, shred the meat, and add back to the pot.
5. Serve hot with cornbread on the side.

Notes

This dish pairs well with cornbread and can be made spicier with added hot sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: Soul Food

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 25g