Collards with Ham and Cornmeal Dumplings

This warm, hearty combination of ham, cornbread and fresh collard greens makes a delicious cold-weather meal.

Collards, ham and cornmeal dumplings

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds collards
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • ½ pound cooked ham, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup all-purpose or white whole-wheat flour
  • ½ cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • Minced fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Remove the stems and midribs from the collards, then chop into 1-inch pieces. Rinse chopped collards in cool water and drain. Add oil to a large saucepan and warm over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the ham and warm. Add the broth and drained collards.
  • Cover and cook 20 minutes.
  • While the collards are cooking, prepare the dumpling batter. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Beat in the egg and milk until smooth. Do not overmix.
  • When the greens are tender, stir in the lemon juice and hot pepper sauce. Drop the cornmeal batter by the tablespoon over the greens. Cover and cook until the dumplings are firm, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.
Collards, ham and cornmeal dumplings
Comfort food doesn't get much better than this warm, hearty combination of ham, cornbread and fresh collard greens. Serve this dish on a chilly day for a filling family meal.