Southern Collard Greens Smoked Turkey (Print Version)

Savory collard greens simmered with smoked turkey, onions, and spices for a flavorful Southern dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Greens

01 - 2 pounds fresh collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped

→ Meats

02 - 1 pound smoked turkey wings, drumsticks, or necks

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 1 large onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquid & Seasoning

05 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
06 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste

→ Optional Enhancements

12 - 2 tablespoons hot sauce, for serving

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Rinse collard greens thoroughly in several changes of water to remove all grit. Drain and set aside.
02 - Place smoked turkey pieces and chicken broth in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
03 - Reduce heat, cover, and simmer turkey in broth for 30 minutes to develop flavor.
04 - Remove turkey from broth. Let cool slightly, then shred meat from bones, discarding bones and skin.
05 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté over medium heat until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
06 - Add chopped collard greens in batches, stirring until each batch wilts before adding more.
07 - Return shredded turkey meat to the pot. Stir in apple cider vinegar, sugar, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt.
08 - Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and flavors meld.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with optional hot sauce.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Classic Southern flavor with a healthy twist
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free
02 -
  • For a vegetarian version , omit turkey and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day
03 -
  • Use fresh collard greens for best texture and flavor
  • Simmer gently to avoid overcooking and preserve vibrant color
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