Southern Style Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Experience the authentic Southern flavor with this hearty and delicious Collard Greens recipe, enhanced with the rich taste of smoked turkey. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, these greens are an ideal side dish for any soul food feast or holiday gathering.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1 cup (For House Seasoning)
Black Pepper
1/4 cup (For House Seasoning)
Garlic Powder
1/4 cup (For House Seasoning)
Smoked Turkey Wings or Neck Bones
1/2 lb (None)
House Seasoning
1 tablespoon (Prepared with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder)
Seasoning Salt
1 tablespoon (None)
Hot Red Pepper Sauce
1 tablespoon (None)
Collard Greens
1 bunch (Washed, stems removed, and sliced)
Butter
1 tablespoon (None)
Instructions
1
Prepare the House Seasoning by mixing 1 cup of salt, 1/4 cup of black pepper, and 1/4 cup of garlic powder. Store this mixture in an airtight container for future use.
2
In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1/2 lb of smoked turkey, 1 tablespoon of House Seasoning, 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt, and 1 tablespoon of hot red pepper sauce to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium and allow it to cook for 1 hour to infuse the flavors.
3
Thoroughly wash the collard greens to remove any dirt. Strip the leaves from the tough stems unless they're the tender young leaves. Stack the leaves, roll them up, and slice them into strips about 1/2 to 1-inch wide.
4
Add the sliced collard greens and 1 tablespoon of butter into the pot with the cooked smoked turkey. Stir occasionally and let it cook for another 45 to 60 minutes until the greens are tender.
5
Taste the greens and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
6
Serve alongside your favorite main dish as a flavorful and comforting side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Style Collard Greens?
Southern style collard greens are a traditional soul food side dish where greens are slow-cooked until tender in a flavorful broth, often seasoned with smoked meats.
What type of meat is used in this collard greens recipe?
This recipe uses 1/2 lb of smoked turkey wings or neck bones to provide a rich, smoky flavor to the broth.
How long does it take to prepare the smoked turkey base?
The smoked turkey should be boiled in water with seasonings for 1 hour to properly infuse the liquid with flavor before adding the greens.
What is in the House Seasoning used for this recipe?
The House Seasoning is a mixture of 1 cup of salt, 1/4 cup of black pepper, and 1/4 cup of garlic powder.
How should I store the leftover House Seasoning?
Store the remaining House Seasoning in an airtight container for future use in other recipes.
How long do the collard greens need to cook?
Once the greens are added to the pot, they should cook for 45 to 60 minutes until they are tender.
What is the best way to wash collard greens?
Thoroughly wash the leaves in water to remove any dirt or grit, which is common in fresh greens.
How should the collard green leaves be cut?
Stack the leaves, roll them up, and slice them into strips that are approximately 1/2 to 1-inch wide.
Do I need to remove the stems from the collard greens?
Yes, you should strip the leaves from the tough stems, though very tender young stems can be kept.
What seasonings are added to the boiling water?
The boiling water is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of House Seasoning, 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt, and 1 tablespoon of hot red pepper sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of hot red pepper sauce, which adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
Why is butter added to the collard greens?
One tablespoon of butter is added to the pot to add richness and help mellow the flavors of the greens.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
How much water is required for cooking?
The recipe calls for 3 quarts of water to start the broth base.
Can I use neck bones instead of turkey wings?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you can use either smoked turkey wings or smoked turkey neck bones.
What is the total estimated cooking time?
The total cooking time is approximately 2 hours: 1 hour for the turkey base and about 1 hour for the greens.
What should the heat setting be for the turkey broth?
Bring the water to a boil first, then reduce the heat to medium for the 1-hour simmer.
When should I taste and adjust the seasoning?
Taste the greens after they have finished cooking for 45 to 60 minutes and adjust the seasoning before serving.
What are some suggested main dishes to serve with these greens?
These greens are a perfect side for soul food favorites like fried chicken, cornbread, or holiday roasts.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, collard greens often taste even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, while it requires some time for slow-cooking, the steps are straightforward and classified as an easy recipe.
Can I substitute the smoked turkey with another meat?
While turkey is used here, many Southern recipes use smoked ham hocks or bacon for a similar smoky profile.
How do I know when the greens are perfectly cooked?
The greens are done when they are tender enough to melt in your mouth and are no longer tough or fibrous.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a vegetable side dish and falls under the Southern and Soul Food culinary styles.
Can I use frozen collard greens for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh greens are recommended for the best texture. If using frozen, the cooking time for the greens may be shorter.
What is the ratio of ingredients in the House Seasoning?
The ratio is 4 parts salt to 1 part black pepper and 1 part garlic powder.
How often should I stir the greens while they cook?
Stir the greens occasionally to ensure they are evenly submerged in the seasoned broth and cooking uniformly.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
The recipe includes smoked turkey and butter, which will contain some cholesterol, though specific nutritional values are not provided.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, Southern style collard greens are a staple side dish for holiday gatherings and special family meals.
What size should the pot be for this recipe?
Use a large stockpot or Dutch oven that can comfortably hold 3 quarts of liquid and a large bunch of greens.