A Love Letter to Southern Comfort: Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

There’s absolutely nothing like the enticing smell of Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey simmering on the stove to immediately transport you to the heart of Southern comfort food. This beloved dish is a cornerstone of African American cuisine, making regular appearances at Sunday dinners, family gatherings, and, of course, holidays like Thanksgiving. With its tender greens, smoky turkey flavor, and perfectly seasoned broth, it truly feels like a warm hug in every single bite.

So, why collard greens? First of all, they’re hearty, packed with nutrients, and full of soul. Adding smoked turkey into the mix elevates the dish even more by creating a healthier alternative to the traditional pork-based recipes, yet it doesn’t sacrifice any of the rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or brand-new to Southern cooking, this recipe is an easy and delicious way to embrace a timeless classic.

Why Smoked Turkey Makes Collard Greens a Must-Try

If you’ve ever hesitated to try collard greens, smoked turkey might just change your mind. Unlike ham hocks or fatback, smoked turkey adds a rich, savory depth while keeping things lighter and more nutritious. Plus, it’s easy to find smoked turkey legs or wings at most grocery stores, making this recipe both accessible and delicious. The smoked turkey not only flavors the greens but also creates a broth so good, you’ll want to save every drop of the “potlikker” for soups, gravies, or just a side of cornbread.

Ingredients

Key Ingredients for Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

To make Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey, you’ll need a mix of fresh produce, flavorful seasonings, and the star ingredient: smoked turkey.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds fresh collard greens
• 1 large smoked turkey leg or 2 smoked turkey wings
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance bitterness)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (for a tangy kick)

Optional Substitutions for Your Perfect Batch:

• Ham hocks or smoked neck bones instead of smoked turkey.
• Mustard greens or kale mixed in for variety.
• Vegetable broth for a vegetarian option (swap turkey for smoked paprika).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cleaning Collard Greens for Smoked Turkey Perfection

The first and most important step is cleaning your collard greens thoroughly. Greens can have a lot of grit and dirt, so don’t rush this part. Here’s how:

1. Rinse: Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the greens. Swish them around to loosen dirt, then let them sit for a few minutes.
2. Repeat: Drain the water and repeat until the water runs clear. This might take 2-3 rounds.
3. Remove stems: Fold each leaf in half and pull the tough stem away from the tender leaf.
4. Chop: Stack the leaves, roll them up, and slice into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easier to cook and eat.

Preparing Smoked Turkey for Collard Greens Broth

Now that your greens are ready, it’s time to prepare the smoked turkey. This is where the magic begins:

1. Simmer the turkey: Place the smoked turkey leg or wings in a large pot and cover with 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
2. Add aromatics: Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Let this simmer for about 30 minutes to infuse the broth with smoky flavor.
3. Shred the meat: Once the turkey is tender, remove it from the pot, shred the meat, and set it aside. Discard the bones and skin.

Combining Collard Greens, Smoked Turkey, and Seasonings: The Soul Food Magic

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together!

1. Add greens to the pot: Gradually add the chopped collard greens to the pot of broth. They’ll wilt as they cook, so don’t worry if it seems like too much at first.
2. Season: Add apple cider vinegar, a pinch of sugar (if using), and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stir and simmer: Stir everything well, cover the pot, and let the greens simmer on low heat for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks.

Simmering Collard Greens and Smoked Turkey Until Tender

The key to perfect Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey is low-and-slow cooking. This allows the greens to absorb all the smoky, savory goodness from the broth while becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender. Keep an eye on the pot and taste-test as you go—this is where you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Pro Tip: Don’t throw away the cooking liquid (aka potlikker)! It’s packed with nutrients and flavor. You can use it as a base for soups or enjoy it on its own with a slice of cornbread.

Tips and Variations

Potlikker: The Secret Sauce of Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

Potlikker, the rich cooking liquid left after simmering collard greens, is a Southern treasure. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it’s also nutrient-dense, making it perfect for soups, stews, or even sipped straight from a cup. Don’t let this liquid gold go to waste—it’s part of the charm of this dish.

Spice It Up: Sweetness, Heat, and Everything in Between

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to tweak it to suit your taste. For a hint of sweetness, try adding a teaspoon of brown sugar. If you’re a fan of heat, cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce can elevate the spice levels. The key is to taste and adjust as you go.

Mixing Collard Greens with Mustard, Turnip, or Kale for Variety

Collard greens are the star here, but they play well with others. Mixing in mustard greens or turnip greens adds a slightly peppery or tangy note to the dish. Kale is another great option for a different texture and flavor profile. Experimenting with greens is a great way to make this recipe your own.

Serving Suggestions

The Perfect Plate: Pairing Collard Greens with Southern Favorites

No Southern meal is complete without sides, and Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey is no exception. Pair these greens with classics like:

• Cornbread to soak up the potlikker.
• Fried chicken for a crispy, savory contrast.
• Macaroni and cheese for creamy comfort.
• Candied yams for a touch of sweetness.
• Sweet potatoes for a hearty, nutritious addition.

Leftovers Worth Saving: How to Freeze and Reheat

One of the best things about collard greens is that they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to bring them back to life.

Cultural Context

FAQs

What vegetables go with smoked turkey?

Smoked turkey pairs well with vegetables like collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, green beans, and cabbage. These hearty vegetables absorb the smoky flavors beautifully and complement the meat’s richness.

What do you soak collard greens in before cooking?

Soak collard greens in cold water with a tablespoon of salt or vinegar. This helps to loosen dirt and grit while also reducing bitterness.

What meat goes well with collard greens?

Collard greens pair wonderfully with smoked turkey, ham hocks, smoked neck bones, bacon, or even sausage. These meats add depth and a savory kick to the greens.

How long does it take for collard greens to get tender?

Collard greens typically take 45-60 minutes to become tender when simmered on low heat. Slow cooking ensures they absorb all the flavors of the broth and seasonings.

Conclusion

Collard greens with smoked turkey are more than just a side dish—they’re a connection to history, family, and Southern culture. Whether you’re preparing this recipe for a holiday feast or a cozy dinner, you’ll find comfort in every bite. So grab your greens, simmer that smoked turkey, and enjoy a taste of the South. You’ve got this!

For more soul food inspiration, check out our other recipes:

• Hearty soup ideas with smoked turkey
• Perfect side dishes for holiday meals
• Easy recipes for healthy greens