Start by thoroughly rinsing the collard greens to remove any impurities. Soak them in cold water with a pinch of salt and vinegar. Once cleaned, stack the leaves.
Remove the tough center vein from each collard green leaf. Roll them up like a cigar and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
In a large pot, heat some olive oil or bacon fat. Add the diced onions and cook until they soften. Then, add the chopped garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the smoked meat, such as Smoked Turkey Legs. If you prefer a spicier dish, include the Crushed Red Pepper Flakes.
Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 45-60 minutes until the collard greens are tender. Adjust the texture to your liking - some prefer them with a bit of firmness.
Season the collard greens with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add vinegar and hot sauce for extra flavor if desired.
Serve your Southern collard greens with your favorite sides. They pair wonderfully with cornbread