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Authentic Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

Close-up of tender, dark green collard greens served in a white bowl with shredded smoked meat.
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Make tender, flavorful Southern Collard Greens slow-simmered with smoked turkey. This traditional recipe delivers rich comfort food perfect for Sunday dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 large bunches collard greens, tough stems removed and chopped
  • 2 pounds smoked turkey wings or smoked turkey legs
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons bacon grease or avocado oil
  • 2 teaspoons seasoning salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce
  • 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the chopped collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Set aside.
  2. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the bacon grease or oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the smoked turkey pieces, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot. They will seem like too much, but they will cook down significantly.
  5. Pour in enough water (or chicken broth, if preferred) to cover the greens by about one inch. Add the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
  6. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the greens simmer slowly for 2 to 3 hours, or until the greens are very tender. Stir occasionally.
  7. Taste the broth (pot liquor) and add salt, pepper, and the optional sugar if needed to balance the flavor.
  8. Remove the turkey pieces. Shred the meat from the bones and return the meat to the pot. Discard the bones and skin.
  9. Simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes to allow the broth to reduce slightly.
  10. Serve hot as a savory vegetable side dish.

Notes

  • For a quicker method, use an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, then allow for a natural pressure release.
  • If you do not have smoked turkey, bacon or ham hocks provide excellent flavor for this traditional greens recipe.
  • Save the cooking liquid; it is the flavorful pot liquor, perfect for soaking cornbread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/collard-greens-southern-smoked-turkey-recipe/