Savory Southern Turnip Greens with Bacon
Indulge in this deliciously quick Southern-style turnip greens recipe, where tender greens are harmoniously blended with crispy bacon and caramelized onions, creating a delightful mix of flavors that’s supremely comforting. The touch of sugar and cider vinegar elevates this dish, balancing bitterness with sweetness and tang. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or as a warm side to your main course, this recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to any variety of greens including mustards, collards, or kale. Enjoy the love of Southern cooking in just a few simple steps!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
turnip greens
1 lb (stems removed and leaves cut into shreds)
center-cut bacon
3 slices (cooked until crispy)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (added during cooking)
cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon (added during cooking)
hot sauce
to taste (added at serving)
salt
to taste (added at serving)
black pepper
to taste (added at serving)
Instructions
1
1. Bring a quart of salted water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan.
2
2. Add the shredded turnip greens to the boiling water and cook until they are just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain the greens in a colander, pressing gently to remove excess moisture.
3
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the center-cut bacon slices until crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess grease.
4
4. In the same skillet, with the bacon fat still in it, add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 6 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5
5. Add the drained turnip greens to the skillet, tossing well with the onions. Stir in the sugar and cider vinegar, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until everything is heated through and well combined.
6
6. Crumble the reserved bacon and sprinkle it over the cooked greens. Add hot sauce to taste, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
7
7. Serve warm as a delightful side dish or a comforting main course.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Savory Southern Turnip Greens with Bacon.
How long should the turnip greens be boiled?
The shredded turnip greens should be boiled for approximately 5 minutes until they are just tender.
What type of bacon is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of center-cut bacon.
How should the turnip greens be prepared before cooking?
The stems should be removed and the leaves should be cut into shreds.
What other types of greens can be used in this recipe?
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted for mustard greens, collard greens, or kale.
How much onion is required for the Savory Southern Turnip Greens?
You will need 1 cup of chopped onion.
What is the purpose of adding sugar and cider vinegar?
The sugar and cider vinegar help balance the bitterness of the greens with sweetness and tang.
How much sugar should be added?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
How much cider vinegar is used in the dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cider vinegar.
In what order should I cook the onions?
Sauté the onions in the skillet with the remaining bacon fat until they are soft and translucent.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
It typically takes about 6 to 7 minutes to sauté the onions properly.
When do I add the crumbled bacon back into the dish?
The reserved bacon should be crumbled and sprinkled over the greens after they have been heated through with the sugar and vinegar.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is described as a quick Southern-style recipe ideal for weeknight dinners.
How much water is needed to boil the greens?
You need one quart of salted water.
How should the greens be drained?
Drain the greens in a colander and press gently to remove any excess moisture.
What should I do with the bacon fat?
Keep the bacon fat in the skillet to sauté the onions for added flavor.
Can I add hot sauce to this recipe?
Yes, hot sauce can be added to taste during the final seasoning step.
What are the final seasonings used?
The dish is finished with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
What is the total weight of the turnip greens needed?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of turnip greens.
Can this recipe be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as either a delightful side dish or a comforting main course.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
It is tagged as vegetarian adaptable, meaning you can omit the bacon and use a plant-based fat to sauté the onions.
What heat level should I use to cook the bacon?
The bacon should be cooked in a large skillet over medium heat.
What kind of skillet is recommended?
A large skillet is recommended to accommodate the greens and onions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients listed in total.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The specific number of servings is not provided in the data, but it uses 1 lb of greens.
What should I do if the greens are too bitter?
The inclusion of sugar and cider vinegar in the recipe is specifically designed to alleviate the bitterness.
Should the water be boiling before adding the greens?
Yes, bring the salted water to a boil first, then add the shredded greens.
What is the texture of the onions once they are cooked?
The onions should be soft and translucent.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include southern cooking, quick recipe, comfort food, and easy cooking.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, it is described as a Southern-style turnip greens recipe featuring classic regional flavors.