Soul Food Collard Greens Smoked Turkey (Print Version)

Tender collard greens cooked with smoky turkey, onions, and seasonings for a flavorful Southern side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound smoked turkey wings or drumsticks

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 pounds fresh collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
03 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

05 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
06 - 2 cups water

→ Seasonings

07 - 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
10 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon sugar, optional

→ Fats

12 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
02 - Add smoked turkey to the pot, then pour in chicken broth and water. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes to infuse the broth with smoky flavor.
03 - Add collard greens in batches, stirring until they wilt down. Once all greens are added, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
04 - Cover and simmer gently for 45 to 55 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and flavorful.
05 - Remove smoked turkey from the pot. Shred the meat and discard bones and skin. Return the shredded turkey to the greens.
06 - Stir in apple cider vinegar and sugar if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Simple, one-pot preparation makes this dish accessible even for beginners
  • Smoked turkey adds incredible depth without the need for heavy pork products
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free, fitting multiple dietary preferences naturally
  • The flavors only get better as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep
  • A healthier take on traditional collard greens without sacrificing authentic Southern flavor
02 -
  • Remove the thick center stems from collard greens before chopping for the most tender results
  • Taste the pot liquor and adjust seasoning gradually; it's easier to add more salt than to fix oversalted greens
  • Save any leftover pot liquor to use as a flavorful base for soups or cooking grains
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • Always check your chicken broth label if you need certified gluten-free ingredients
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