Southern Style Collard Greens (Printable)

Tender collard greens simmered with smoky turkey and aromatic spices in a Southern-inspired 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 black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

→ Optional Enhancements

12 - 2 tablespoons hot sauce, for serving

# Method:

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 to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to infuse the broth with turkey flavor.
04 - Remove turkey pieces and let cool slightly. Shred meat from the bones and discard bones and skin.
05 - In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
06 - Add chopped collard greens in batches, stirring each batch until wilted before adding more.
07 - Return shredded turkey 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 infused with flavor.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, with hot sauce if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Tender and smoky collard greens
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free with rich flavor
02 -
  • Omit turkey and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a vegetarian version
  • Leftovers taste better the next day and keep well up to 4 days in the refrigerator
03 -
  • Use fresh collard greens and remove tough stems for tender results
  • Simmer slowly to develop deep smoky flavor without drying out the meat
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