Collard Greens with Neckbones – The Black Family Reunion Cookbook – Black Foodie Finder

A Southern Soul Food Favorite

Tender collard greens simmered with savory pork neckbones make Collard Greens with Neckbones a comforting Southern classic. Rich in flavor and rooted in African American cooking traditions, this hearty side dish brings a taste of home to the family table.

Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this heritage recipe celebrates the simple ingredients and slow-cooked flavors that define traditional soul food.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 1 pound pork neckbones
• 2 bunches collard greens
• 1 tablespoon bacon drippings
• Dash red pepper sauce
• Salt and pepper

Makes: 4 to 6 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the neckbones. Place the pork neckbones in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook briefly. Remove the neckbones, reserving the flavorful broth.
2. Cook the collard greens. Wash and chop the collard greens, removing any tough stems. Add them to the reserved broth and simmer over low heat until tender.
3. Season the greens. Stir in the bacon drippings and a dash of red pepper sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve warm. Once the greens are tender and well-seasoned, serve with some of the flavorful cooking broth.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Simmer slowly for tender, flavorful greens.
• Add the cooked neckbone meat back for a heartier variation.
• Adjust the hot sauce for your preferred heat level.
• Serve with cornbread, fried chicken, or black-eyed peas.

About the Recipe

Collard Greens with Neckbones is a traditional Southern soul food dish that reflects generations of African American home cooking. Using pork neckbones to flavor greens is a time-honored way to create a rich, satisfying dish from simple ingredients.

This heritage recipe appears in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, a collection celebrating African American family recipes and culinary traditions.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

The original Collard Greens with Neckbones recipe appears in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., published by Simon & Schuster.

This Black Foodie adaptation preserves the original ingredients and basic cooking method while presenting the instructions in updated language. Additional preparation details, pro tips, and serving suggestions are provided by Black Foodie.