When it comes to Southern New Year’s Eve traditions, collard greens hold a place of honor at the table. Symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and abundance, these leafy greens are considered essential for welcoming a new year filled with good fortune. Their association with money comes from their rich green color, reminiscent of paper currency, and pairing them with black-eyed peas, which resemble coins, creates a symbolic meal that has been celebrated for generations. Growing up in the South, I must admit that I was not a fan of collard greens. The cleaning process, the cooked smell, and the fact that it was GREEN vegetable made me turn my head. Today, I would give-up anything to be back in the kitchen with my long-passed Grandfather cookin' up a mess o' greens.
How the Tradition Began in America:
The tradition of eating collard greens on New Year’s Eve originates from the American South, particularly among American Indian and African-American communities. Passed down through family kitchens, the practice blends Native and African culinary influences with Southern farming and cooking traditions. Collard greens became a way to mark the new year with optimism and sustenance, reflecting both resourcefulness and cultural heritage.
Cleaning Collards. It's a Process:
Cooking collard greens starts with selecting fresh, vibrant leaves. Look for deep green, firm leaves without yellowing or wilting. To clean them, remove the tough stems by cutting or tearing them away, then wash the leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt or grit. Some cooks like to soak the leaves briefly in cold water to ensure any remaining soil is loosened, then rinse again before chopping. You may have to repeat this process several times to insure they are grit-free.
How to Prepare:
Collard greens can be prepared in a variety of ways, though traditional Southern preparation involves slow-simmering them in a flavorful liquid—often with smoked ham hocks, bacon, or a bit of onion and garlic for depth. Simmering allows the greens to become tender and infused with savory richness. For a lighter approach, collards can also be sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and a splash of broth or vinegar to maintain their bright flavor and vibrant color. The key is patience: slow cooking transforms the tough leaves into tender, silky greens that are both hearty and nourishing.
Southern-Style Collard Greens Recipe
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
Ingredients
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2 lbs fresh collard greens
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1 smoked ham hock or 4 slices bacon (optional for vegetarian, omit)
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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1–2 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, added at the end)
Instructions
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Prepare the collards: Rinse leaves thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the tough stems and tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
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Cook aromatics: In a large pot, cook bacon or ham hock over medium heat until browned and fragrant. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
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Add collards and broth: Stir in collard greens, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and pour in broth.
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Simmer: Bring to a boil in a large stock-pot like our 8qt Heritage Steel Stock Pot with Lid, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the collards are tender and flavorful.
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Finish: If desired, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving to brighten the flavor. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Tips & Variations
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For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon or ham hock and use vegetable broth with a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
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Leftovers reheat beautifully and develop even more flavor overnight.
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Drizzle chili crisp over cooked green to add heat and depth.
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Serving collard greens on New Year’s Eve is about more than taste—it’s about symbolism, community, and tradition. Whether paired with black-eyed peas, cornbread, or other Southern classics, they represent a hopeful start to the year and a connection to generations of cooks who have honored the same ritual. Bringing collard greens to your table is a delicious and meaningful way to celebrate the new year with both flavor and intention. May we all have health, wealth, and prosperity in the New Year!