Southern Collard Greens

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 quarts water
• 1 1/2 pounds ham hocks
• 4 pounds collard greens, rinsed and trimmed
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• salt and pepper to taste
  

Directions:

1. Place the water and the ham hock in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat to very low and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
3. Add the collards and the hot pepper flakes the pot. Simmer covered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the vegetable oil and simmer covered for 30 minutes.