Description
This Southern Collard Greens recipe delivers tender, flavorful greens simmered with smoky turkey and a perfect blend of seasonings. Ideal for a comforting side dish, it combines traditional ingredients like applewood smoked salt, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth to create a classic Southern favorite that’s both hearty and healthy.
Ingredients
Scale
Greens and Seasonings
- 2 bunches fresh collard greens (washed and trimmed)
- 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar (divided)
- 3 tablespoons salt
- Applewood smoked salt & black pepper, to season
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Aromatics
- 1/2 cup finely diced onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
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 dirt or grit. Remove the tough stems and cut the leaves into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base for the greens.
- Add Spices and Vinegar: Stir in the red pepper flakes, 3 tablespoons of salt, and half of the white distilled vinegar. Mixing these early allows the flavors to meld well throughout the cooking process.
- Combine Broth and Turkey: Pour in 4 to 5 cups of chicken broth and add the fully-cooked smoked turkey leg or wing. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start extracting smoky flavor from the turkey.
- Simmer the Collard Greens: Add the prepared collard greens to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 60 minutes until the greens are tender and infused with the smoky broth flavors.
- Final Vinegar and Seasoning: Near the end of cooking, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar for brightness. Adjust seasoning with applewood smoked salt and black pepper to taste, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- Serve Warm: Remove the turkey leg or wing, shred any meat if desired, and mix it back into the greens or serve alongside. Enjoy these Southern Collard Greens as a hearty side dish perfect for any comfort food meal.
Notes
- To ensure the best texture, wash collard greens thoroughly to remove grit.
- Using a fully-cooked smoked turkey leg or wing adds authentic smoky flavor without extra cooking time for the meat.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired level of heat.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter vegetarian option, though traditional flavor will vary.
- For a lower sodium version, reduce added salt and use low sodium broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- 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
