southern collard greens with smoked turkey recipe

The Best southern collard greens with smoked turkey recipe

I’ve always been a fan of traditional Southern cuisine, and one dish that never fails to hit the spot is southern collard greens with smoked turkey. This hearty, comforting recipe has been a staple in many households for generations, and for good reason – it’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.

The key to this dish is the slow-cooked collard greens, which are tenderized to perfection with a rich, velvety texture. And let’s not forget the star of the show: smoked turkey, which adds a deep, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.

I love serving this at family gatherings and potlucks because it’s easy to make in large quantities and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients – collard greens are a superfood that’s rich in vitamins A and K, and turkey is an excellent source of lean protein.

Whether you’re serving this at a holiday dinner or just a regular Tuesday night, I promise you’ll be the talk of the town with this southern collard greens with smoked turkey recipe. I’ve made it countless times over the years, but it never gets old – every time I take my first bite, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she’d lovingly prepare this same dish for our family gatherings.

It’s more than just a recipe – it’s a taste of tradition and community that I’m so grateful to share with all of you.

Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

4.8 from 1129 votes

A hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender collard greens slow-cooked with smoky turkey. This classic Southern side dish is perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb smoked turkey meat
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Equipment

Large pot with lid
Wooden spoon
Knife
Cutting board

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add chopped onion and cook until translucent about 5 minutes.
3Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4Add smoked turkey meat to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
5Cook for 3-4 minutes until the turkey is lightly browned.
6Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika to the pot.
7Stir well to ensure the turkey is evenly coated with the spices.
8Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9Add the chopped collard greens to the pot.
10Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
11Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
12Bring the mixture to a boil.
13Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
14Stir occasionally to prevent the greens from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
15The collard greens are done when they are tender and have a deep green color.
16Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
17Serve the collard greens hot, garnished with additional smoked turkey if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot with lid
Wooden spoon
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 1800mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can use a ham hock instead of smoked turkey. If the greens are too thick, add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Watch Video Of How Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Works

This southern collard greens with smoked turkey recipe is truly a staple in my household – we love serving it at family gatherings and potlucks because it’s easy to make in large quantities and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients – collard greens are a superfood that’s rich in vitamins A and K, and turkey is an excellent source of lean protein.

To store leftovers, simply refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, be sure to add some chicken broth or stock to prevent the greens from drying out.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

Q: What type of greens should I use for this recipe?

In order to achieve that authentic Southern flavor, you’ll want to use fresh or frozen collard greens for this recipe. You can also use other leafy greens like kale or mustard greens as substitutes if you can’t find collards.

Q: Can I use store-bought smoked turkey or do I need to make my own?

While store-bought smoked turkey can be convenient, making your own from scratch will elevate this dish to new heights. Simply season your turkey with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices before smoking it low and slow over charcoal or wood chips until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.

Q: How do I prevent the greens from becoming too bitter?

To prevent your greens from becoming too bitter, be sure to rinse them thoroughly before cooking and add a pinch of baking soda to the cooking liquid to help neutralize any acidity.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

This recipe can be made ahead of time up to 2 days in advance by cooking the greens and turkey separately before assembling everything together just before serving.

Q: What are some creative ways to serve this dish?

In addition to serving this dish as is, you can also top it with crispy bacon bits or chopped scallions for added texture and flavor.

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