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Savory Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

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Tender collard greens simmered with smoked turkey, onions, and garlic in a flavorful broth. This easy Southern side dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs collard greens, washed, stemmed, and chopped
  • 1 large smoked turkey wing or drumstick (about 1 lb), bone-in
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or canola oil)
  • 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Remove tough stems and chop leaves into bite-sized pieces (about 2-inch strips).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
  3. Place the smoked turkey wing or drumstick into the pot. Stir gently to coat turkey with onion and garlic.
  4. Add chopped collard greens in batches, stirring after each addition so they wilt down.
  5. Pour in chicken broth. Add apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), sugar (optional), and bay leaf. Stir everything together.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender but not mushy and turkey is falling apart.
  7. Remove turkey from the pot. Let cool slightly, then shred meat off the bone and discard skin/bones. Return meat to the greens and stir. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Ladle greens and turkey into bowls, spooning some broth over each serving. Enjoy hot!

Notes

For vegetarian/vegan, substitute smoked paprika, mushrooms, and liquid smoke for turkey and use vegetable broth. Adjust seasoning to taste and add extra vinegar or sugar to balance bitterness. Greens are best served hot and taste even better the next day. Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: collard greens, smoked turkey, Southern side dish, soul food, comfort food, easy greens recipe, holiday sides, gluten-free, healthy greens

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/savory-collard-greens-with-smoked-turkey-easy-flavorful-side-dish-recipe/