Southern Mess O’ Greens Recipe

Delicious Mess o' Greens recipe: soulful Southern comfort, hearty flavors, and easy to make. Perfect side dish for any occasion!

📝 Ingredients

• 2 bunches Collard Greens (roughly chopped)
• 2 bunches Mustard Greens (roughly chopped)
• 2 bunches Turnip Greens (roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup Cider Vinegar
• 1/2 cup Roasted Red Pepper Brine
• 1 Whole Bay Leaf
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Allspice
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 3 tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 2-3 Ham Hocks
• 1 Yellow Onion (sliced)
• 4-6 Garlic Cloves (smashed)
• Water

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Make The Seasoning Mix ---
2. 2Mix the brown sugar, salt, pepper, allspice, and red pepper flakes together in a small bowl or ramekin. Set aside.
3. 3--- Make The Broth ---
4. 4Heat large saucepan over medium high heat. Add some olive oil then brown the ham hocks on all sides to render some of the fat and release flavor. Add onion and smashed garlic cloves for a quick saute (1 minute) stirring occasionally. Add water (enough to cover the hocks by 2 inches) plus 1/3 of the seasoning mix and bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 1 -1 1/2 hours. Set aside, time permitting refrigerate overnight.
5. 5--- Prepare The Greens ---
6. 6Cut the greens into thin strips or smaller cuts of leaves. Try to cut as evenly as possible. Wash them thoroughly.
7. 7--- Cook the Greens ---
8. 8Add the red pepper brine and apple cider to the pork broth. Mix well.
9. 9Add the greens to the pot plus half the remaining spices and mix all well. Simmer for another 1 - 1 1/2 hours. During the last half hour of cooking add the remaining seasoning mix. Taste and adjust for flavor as needed. Serve with your favorite hot sauce or pepper sauce.