Feller suggests soaking or boiling the ham hocks (and tossing that liquid) before simmering them with the collard greens to reduce the sodium while maintaining the flavor and protein from the ham.
If you're vegetarian or just want to intensify the smoked flavor from the meat, a spoonful of smoked paprika does the trick. Read more: 11 Things You Didn't Know You Should Be Doing With Bacon Because ...
Chef and historian Kevin Mitchell shares a vegan version where the pea stew ... deepen and intensify the pot’s savory flavors. Collard greens, added later, serve as a final touch of heartiness ...