Savory Smoked Turkey Collard Greens
Delve into the rich, hearty flavors of Southern cuisine with these Savory Smoked Turkey Collard Greens. Perfectly seasoned and simmered with tender smoked turkey, these greens are a nourishing and satisfying dish that can also be prepared with turnip greens, mustard greens, or even kale for a delightful variation. By preparing the smoked turkey leg the day before, you enhance the broth's depth while making the cooking process seamless. These collard greens are not just a side dish; they are a celebration of flavor that pairs wonderfully with cornbread or grilled meats for a complete, soul-satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
garlic
2 tablespoons (minced)
chicken stock
5 cups (none)
smoked turkey leg
1 (none)
collard greens
5 bunches (rinsed, trimmed, and chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns a light golden brown, being careful not to burn it.
2
Introduce the smoked turkey leg to the pot, followed by the chicken stock. Cover the pot and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the turkey leg to cook until tender, about 30-40 minutes.
3
Remove the turkey leg from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the meat off the bone, discarding the skin and bone, and return the meat to the pot.
4
Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring them into the broth and turkey mixture. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the greens down for roughly 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5
After 45 minutes, reduce the heat to low, and season the greens with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Continue simmering until the greens are tender, which may take an additional 45-60 minutes.
6
Once cooked to your desired tenderness, drain the greens, reserving the flavorful liquid for reheating leftovers or for use in soups. For longer preservation, freeze some of the liquid to use with fresh or frozen greens later.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
7
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Smoked Turkey Collard Greens?
They are a rich, hearty Southern dish featuring collard greens simmered with tender smoked turkey and savory seasonings.
What variations of greens can I use?
You can use turnip greens, mustard greens, or even kale as a substitute for collard greens.
Can I use kale for this recipe?
Yes, kale is a delightful variation that works well with the smoked turkey broth.
Are mustard greens a suitable replacement?
Yes, mustard greens can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I use turnip greens?
Yes, turnip greens are an excellent alternative to collard greens in this recipe.
What protein is featured in this dish?
The main protein used is a smoked turkey leg.
Can I prepare the turkey in advance?
Yes, preparing the smoked turkey leg the day before enhances the broth's depth and makes the process seamless.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil.
How should the garlic be prepared?
You should use 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
How much chicken stock is used?
The recipe requires 5 cups of chicken stock.
How long do I simmer the turkey leg?
Simmer the turkey leg in chicken stock for about 30-40 minutes until it is tender.
What do I do with the turkey skin and bone?
After shredding the meat, you should discard the skin and the bone.
How many bunches of collard greens are required?
The recipe uses 5 bunches of collard greens.
How should the greens be prepped before cooking?
The collard greens should be rinsed, trimmed, and chopped.
How long do the greens cook on medium-high heat?
They should cook down for roughly 45 minutes on medium-high heat.
What seasonings are used to flavor the greens?
The greens are seasoned with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How long is the final simmer on low heat?
The final simmer takes an additional 45-60 minutes until the greens reach desired tenderness.
What should I do with the cooking liquid?
Drain the greens but reserve the flavorful liquid for reheating leftovers or for use in other dishes.
Can I freeze the reserved liquid?
Yes, you can freeze the liquid to use with fresh or frozen greens at a later time.
What can I use the reserved liquid for?
The reserved liquid, often called pot liquor, is great for reheating or as a base for soups.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
How many grams of fat are in this dish?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
What sides pair well with these greens?
These greens pair wonderfully with cornbread or grilled meats.
Is this dish considered Southern cuisine?
Yes, it is a classic example of Southern cuisine and soul food.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe consists of 8 main ingredients.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and a nutritious vegetable dish.
How much crushed red pepper flakes should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon, but you can adjust this to taste.
Why should I stir the greens occasionally?
Stirring occasionally ensures that the greens cook evenly in the broth and turkey mixture.