Imagine a soul-warming dish that combines the rich, smoky flavor of tender turkey with the hearty, nutritious goodness of collard greens - a Southern classic that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary! This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that brings the warmth of Southern hospitality right to your kitchen, delivering a perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and comfort in every single bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
- 1 cup smoked turkey, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the collard greens under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris. Pat dry with paper towels and remove tough stems by folding leaves and cutting along the central rib.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Add shredded smoked turkey to the pot and stir, allowing it to lightly brown and release its smoky essence into the cooking base.
- Carefully add chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine with onions, garlic, and turkey. Cook for 2-3 minutes until greens begin to wilt.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, ensuring greens are mostly submerged. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.
Tips
- Choose fresh, vibrant collard greens with deep green leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Remove the tough stem by folding the leaf and cutting along the central rib for more tender greens.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and allow you to season to taste.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Don't rush the simmering process - slow cooking helps the greens become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- If you prefer, you can substitute smoked turkey with ham hock or bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Serve hot as a side dish or make it a complete meal by pairing with cornbread or rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
