Description
This Southern Collard Greens recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender greens simmered with smoked turkey, tangy vinegar, and a touch of spice. Perfect as a comforting side for any Southern-inspired meal, these collard greens balance smoky, savory, and zesty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Vinegar and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
- 3 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar (additional)
- Applewood smoked salt & black pepper, to season
Greens and Aromatics
- 2 bunches fresh collard greens (washed, stems removed, leaves chopped)
- ½ cup finely diced onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Broth and Protein
- 4-5 cups chicken broth (can replace 1 cup with water if desired)
- 1 fully-cooked smoked turkey leg or wing (about 13 oz)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the greens: Thoroughly wash the collard greens to remove any grit, then remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the onions are softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add greens and seasoning: Add the chopped collard greens to the pot along with 3 tablespoons of salt and 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar. Stir to combine and allow the greens to begin wilting.
- Add broth and smoked turkey: Pour in 4-5 cups of chicken broth, adding water if preferred to adjust the saltiness. Submerge the fully cooked smoked turkey leg or wing into the pot.
- Simmer the greens: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 60 minutes or until the greens are tender and flavorful.
- Adjust seasoning: Once cooked, remove the turkey, shred any meat and return it to the pot if desired. Stir in the additional 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar. Season with applewood smoked salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the collard greens hot as a traditional Southern side dish, paired well with cornbread, fried chicken, or other comfort foods.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm collard greens for the best texture and flavor.
- Smoked turkey leg or wing adds authentic smoky depth without the fat of pork.
- Vinegar is key to balancing the bitterness of the greens and enhances the overall taste.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers taste great and often improve the next day after flavors meld further.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
