smoked turkey collard greens recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best smoked turkey collard greens recipe

I’m so excited to share this smoked turkey collard greens recipe with you all today. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My kids love it, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Collard greens are a staple in the Southern United States, where they’re often served with pork or turkey. This recipe combines the rich flavor of smoked turkey with the earthy taste of collard greens, all wrapped up in a delicious package. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, like fresh collard greens and real smoked turkey.

I like to use a combination of light and dark meat for the best flavor. The slow-cooking process helps to break down the connective tissue in the meat, making it tender and easy to shred. This recipe is also incredibly easy to make, which is always a bonus in my book.

Just throw everything into a big pot and let it simmer away until the flavors have melded together beautifully. You can serve it as is, or add some crusty bread or cornbread on the side for a satisfying meal. I like to serve it with a side of warm biscuits or cornbread for sopping up all that delicious gravy.

It’s also great as leftovers, reheated in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast. This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I know it will be in yours too once you try it out. I hope you enjoy this smoked turkey collard greens recipe as much as we do!

It’s definitely one of our favorites around here.

Smoked Turkey Collard Greens

4.8 from 917 votes

This hearty dish features tender collard greens slow-cooked with smoked turkey and a blend of aromatic vegetables and spices. It is a comforting and flavorful Southern-inspired meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Collard Greens

1 large bunch collard greens
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Smoked Turkey

1 lb smoked turkey meat, shredded
1 large onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper, chopped
1 large tomato, chopped

For the Seasoning

1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the collard greens thoroughly under cold water.
2Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
3Place the chopped collard greens in a large pot.
4Add 1 tbsp salt and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
5Fill the pot with water until the greens are submerged.
6Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
7Reduce the heat to medium and let the greens simmer for 45 minutes, or until they are tender.
8Drain the greens and set aside.
9In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
10Add 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
11Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
12Add 1 chopped tomato and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
13Add 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
14Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables.
15Add the shredded smoked turkey to the pan with the vegetable mixture.
16Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is heated through.
17Add the cooked collard greens to the pan with the turkey and vegetable mixture.
18Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
19Reduce the heat to low and let the collard greens simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well combined and the greens are tender.
20Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
21Serve the smoked turkey collard greens hot, garnished with additional chopped vegetables or a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3.5g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Watch Video Of How Smoked Turkey Collard Greens Works

This smoked turkey collard greens recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. It is perfect for holiday gatherings, family reunions, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It pairs well with a variety of sides, and it is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet.

It is a dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories. It is a recipe that I have made countless times, and it never disappoints. It is a dish that I can always count on to feed a crowd.

The best part about this dish is that it is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. This makes it a great meal prep option for busy weeknights.

You can reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop, and it will still taste delicious. It is a dish that I highly recommend trying, and I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Turkey Collard Greens

Q: What type of collard greens should I use?

In this recipe, you can use either curly or flat-leaf collard greens. The curly variety will give you smaller leaves that are easier to cook down quickly, while flat-leaf collards will give you larger leaves that will take a bit longer to cook through.

Q: Can I use other types of meat besides smoked turkey?

Sure thing! You can substitute chicken or beef if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat you choose.

Q: Do I need to soak the collard greens before cooking them?

Nope! Collard greens are typically pretty easy to digest, even when they’re raw. However, if you want to reduce their bitterness just a bit, you can soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes before chopping them up.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

This recipe makes about 6 servings, so feel free to scale it up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover collard greens?

You can store leftover collard greens in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.

Similar Posts