Southern Style Collard Greens

Tender collard greens simmered with smoky turkey, onions, and spices—a Southern classic made lighter with a flavorful smoked turkey hack.

This recipe brings back warm memories of family dinners where the flavors of home truly shine.

Ingredients

• Greens: 2 lbs fresh collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• Meats: 1 lb smoked turkey wings, drumsticks, or necks
• Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 large onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Liquid & Seasoning: 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sugar (optional, for balance), 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• Optional Enhancements: 2 tbsp hot sauce, for serving

Instructions

Make crepes, pancakes, tortillas, and omelets evenly with quick heating and precise temperature control.

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Step 1:

Rinse collard greens thoroughly in several changes of water to remove all grit. Drain and set aside.

Step 2:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add smoked turkey pieces and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3:

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes to flavor the broth.

Step 4:

Remove turkey pieces. Let cool slightly, then shred meat from the bones. Discard bones and skin.

Step 5:

In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Step 6:

Add chopped collard greens in batches, stirring until wilted.

Step 7:

Return shredded turkey to the pot. Stir in apple cider vinegar, sugar, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt.

Step 8:

Cover and simmer on low for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are very tender and flavorful.

Step 9:

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, with hot sauce if desired.

Make crepes, pancakes, tortillas, and omelets evenly with quick heating and precise temperature control.

Check price on Amazon

Make crepes, pancakes, tortillas, and omelets evenly with quick heating and precise temperature control.

Check price on Amazon

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Gathering around the table with family while enjoying this dish creates treasured moments and tastes of tradition.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, sharp knife, cutting board, tongs or spoon

Allergen Information

Contains poultry. Gluten-free and dairy-free as written. Always check broth and turkey labels for hidden allergens or additives.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 21 g per serving.

Quickly air fry vegetables, roast proteins, bake snacks, and reheat leftovers for easy everyday meals.

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Quickly air fry vegetables, roast proteins, bake snacks, and reheat leftovers for easy everyday meals.

Check price on Amazon

Save

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Enjoy this hearty dish as a comforting part of your meal rotation all year round.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prepare the collard greens for cooking?

Rinse the collard greens thoroughly multiple times to remove grit. Remove the stems and chop the leaves before cooking.

→ What type of smoked turkey works best?

Smoked turkey wings, drumsticks, or necks provide a rich smoky depth and work well to infuse the broth.

→ Can I adjust the seasoning for heat?

Yes, crushed red pepper flakes can be added to taste for mild heat, and hot sauce is recommended when serving.

→ How long does it take to cook until greens are tender?

Simmering the greens with shredded turkey and seasonings for about 45 minutes results in tender, flavorful greens.

→ Are leftovers good to keep?

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to four days and often taste richer the next day as flavors deepen.