Savory Southern Slow-Cooked Greens with Smoked Turkey
Indulge in the rich, soulful flavors of the South with this hearty Southern Slow-Cooked Greens recipe. Combining fresh collard and turnip greens, this dish gets its deliciously smoky notes from tender smoked turkey wings. Sautéed onions and garlic complement the earthiness of the greens, while a splash of vinegar and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar elevate the dish to a new level of depth. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection in your crock pot, these greens are the ultimate comfort food that serves beautifully alongside cornbread or as an accompaniment to any Southern feast. Enjoy the health benefits of nutrient-packed greens while savoring the rich, complex flavors that only a slow cook can bring out.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Collard greens
1 bunch (Washed and sliced)
Turnip greens
1 bunch (Washed and sliced)
Smoked turkey wings
1 (Uncooked)
Onion
1 (Sliced)
Garlic cloves
3-4 (Sliced)
Vinegar
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Brown Sugar Twin
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Water
1/4 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the collard and turnip greens under cold water to remove any grit or sand.
2
Carefully remove the thick stems from the greens and discard them.
3
Stack the greens neatly, roll them tightly like a cigar, and then slice them into strips approximately 1 inch wide.
4
In your crock pot, combine the sliced greens with the smoked turkey wings, sliced onion, and garlic.
5
Add the vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and water to the pot.
6
Give everything a gentle stir to ensure that the ingredients are evenly mixed.
7
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the greens are tender and infused with flavor.
8
Once cooked, give the greens a final stir and taste before serving—adjust seasoning as necessary.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this Southern greens recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Southern Slow-Cooked Greens with Smoked Turkey.
Which types of greens are used in this dish?
This recipe uses a combination of one bunch of fresh collard greens and one bunch of turnip greens.
What meat provides the smoky flavor for the greens?
The smoky notes come from using one smoked turkey wing.
How should I prepare the greens before cooking?
Thoroughly wash the greens under cold water, remove the thick stems, stack them, and slice them into 1-inch wide strips.
What is the best way to clean collard and turnip greens?
Wash them thoroughly under cold running water to ensure all grit and sand are removed.
How long do I cook the greens on the 'Low' setting in a crock pot?
Cook the greens on low for 6 hours until they are tender and flavorful.
What is the cooking time if I use the 'High' setting?
If cooking on high, the greens will take approximately 3 hours.
How much water is required for this slow cooker recipe?
Only 1/4 cup of water is needed, as the greens will release their own liquid during the slow cooking process.
What aromatics are added to the crock pot?
The recipe calls for one sliced onion and 3 to 4 sliced garlic cloves.
What type of sweetener is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Brown Sugar Twin to add a hint of sweetness.
Is there a spicy kick to these Southern greens?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes is included to provide a gentle heat.
What role does vinegar play in the recipe?
Two tablespoons of vinegar are used to add depth and elevate the complex flavors of the dish.
What should I do with the thick stems of the greens?
The thick stems should be carefully removed and discarded before slicing the leaves.
How do I ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed in the crock pot?
Give all ingredients a gentle stir after placing them in the pot but before starting the cooking cycle.
What are some recommended serving suggestions for these greens?
They serve beautifully alongside cornbread or as a side dish for any Southern-style feast.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the greens?
Yes, it is recommended to give the greens a final stir and taste after cooking to adjust salt and pepper as necessary.
How do you slice the greens into uniform strips?
Stack the leaves, roll them tightly like a cigar, and then slice across the roll.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, sliced.
Are turnip greens and collard greens the same?
No, they are different types of leafy greens that provide different textures and flavors; this recipe uses both.
Is the onion sautéed before going into the crock pot?
No, the sliced onion is added raw directly into the crock pot to cook slowly with the greens.
What makes this dish a healthy side dish option?
It features nutrient-packed leafy greens and uses a lean protein source like smoked turkey wings.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are added 'to taste' to ensure the dish is perfectly seasoned.
Why is a slow cooker ideal for cooking greens?
The slow cook time brings out rich, complex flavors and ensures the tough fibers of the greens become tender.
Can I use smoked turkey legs instead of wings?
While the recipe calls for a wing, a smoked turkey leg is a suitable substitute for similar smoky flavor.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The greens should be tender and soft, having been infused with the flavors of the aromatics and smoked meat.
Is this a traditional soul food dish?
Yes, these slow-cooked greens are a staple of Southern and soul food culinary traditions.
What is the purpose of rolling the greens before slicing?
Rolling the greens allows for more uniform and easier slicing into even 1-inch strips.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the smoked turkey wing and potentially add liquid smoke or smoked paprika for flavor.
Do I need to add more water if the pot looks dry?
Generally no, as the greens release a significant amount of liquid as they wilt and cook down.
Can this dish be frozen after cooking?
Yes, slow-cooked greens typically freeze and reheat very well.