10 Soul Food Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful side dish that embodies the best of soul food, look no further than this Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey recipe. Collard greens are a staple in Southern kitchens, often enjoyed alongside other comforting dishes like fried chicken, cornbread, and mashed potatoes. The rich, smoky flavor of the greens, enhanced by the depth of smoked turkey, creates a dish that’s as flavorful as it is nutritious.

This recipe combines tender collard greens with smoked turkey for a savory, soul-warming side dish. Whether you’re making collard greens crock pot southern style or using the Instapot, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any family dinner, holiday feast, or Sunday meal.

What Are Collard Greens and Why Are They So Popular in Southern Cooking?

Collard greens are a leafy vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. Known for their dark green leaves, collard greens have a slightly bitter taste when raw but become tender and flavorful when cooked, especially when simmered for hours in rich broths or stock.

In Southern cooking, collard greens are often paired with smoked meats, like ham hocks, smoked turkey, or bacon, to enhance their flavor. Collard greens with smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey have been passed down through generations as a comfort food staple in many Southern households. The collard greens recipe soul food tradition is rooted in the history and culture of African American cooking, where smoked meats were used to add flavor to inexpensive vegetables.

Not only are collard greens delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients. They are high in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and provide a good amount of calcium. Whether you are cooking southern collard greens with ham hocks or a simpler easy collard greens recipe, this dish is a healthy and tasty addition to your meals.

Why You’ll Love This Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Recipe

Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

• Smoky and Savory: The addition of smoked turkey infuses the collard greens with a deep, rich flavor that elevates the dish. It’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter, yet still flavorful, alternative to the more traditional collard greens with smoked ham hocks.
• Easy to Make: This easy collard greens recipe is simple and doesn’t require hours of constant attention. Whether you’re using a crock pot or an Instapot, the hands-on time is minimal, making it ideal for busy families.
• Versatile: You can serve these collard greens alongside a variety of main dishes, from southern-style fried chicken to grilled pork chops, or even a hearty pot roast. They’re a perfect side dish for holidays or casual weeknight meals.
• Nutrient-Rich: Collard greens are packed with vitamins and minerals, and when cooked with smoked turkey, you get a balanced dish that’s both delicious and nutritious.

If you’re looking for more soul food dinner ideas, try pairing your collard greens with Southern-Style Green Beans or Cornbread for a true Southern feast.

Ingredients Needed for Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

To make this flavorful dish, you will need:

• Collard greens (2 pounds): Fresh collard greens are best for this recipe, though you can use frozen greens if necessary. Be sure to remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
• Smoked turkey legs or wings (1-2, depending on size): Smoked turkey adds a rich, smoky flavor to the greens. You can substitute with smoked ham hocks, but turkey is a lighter option with great flavor.
• Onion (1 large, chopped): Onion adds sweetness and depth to the greens.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic brings a fragrant, savory element to the dish.
• Chicken broth (4 cups): For a savory base. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
• Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): A splash of vinegar helps balance the bitterness of the greens and enhances the overall flavor.
• Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that complements the smoky turkey.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavor of the greens.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): If you prefer a little heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the onion and garlic.

How to Make Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

Follow these easy steps to make this soul food collard greens recipe:

1. Prepare the Collard Greens: Rinse the collard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Remove the tough stems, and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Smoked Turkey: Add the smoked turkey legs or wings to the pot. If you prefer to use smoked ham hocks, they can easily be substituted here. Stir to combine the turkey with the onion and garlic.
4. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil.
5. Simmer the Collard Greens: Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the collard greens. Stir everything together, ensuring the greens are submerged in the broth. Cover the pot and let the greens simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the greens from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Final Adjustments: Once the collard greens are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Remove the smoked turkey from the pot and shred the meat off the bones. Return the shredded turkey to the pot and stir it into the greens.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the collard greens with smoked turkey alongside your favorite main dishes. For a true soul food dinner, pair them with fried chicken or cornbread.

If you’d prefer a faster option, you can also make collard greens with smoked turkey in the Instapot. Simply follow the same instructions, but cook everything under pressure for about 20-25 minutes instead of simmering for hours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Southern collard greens with smoked turkey, avoid these common mistakes:

• Not Rinsing the Greens Properly: Collard greens often carry dirt or grit, so it’s essential to wash them thoroughly to avoid any unwanted textures in your dish.
• Overcooking the Greens: While collard greens should be tender, overcooking them can make them mushy and lose their texture. Simmer them just until tender but not overly soft.
• Not Adding Enough Seasoning: Collard greens need seasoning to balance their natural bitterness. Don’t skimp on the salt, pepper, and vinegar, as these ingredients are essential for creating the right flavor.

Tips for Perfect Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

• Cook Low and Slow: To get the most tender and flavorful collard greens, allow them to simmer low and slow for a couple of hours. If you’re short on time, the Instapot is a great alternative to get similar results in less time.
• Use Smoked Turkey for a Lighter Option: While smoked ham hocks are traditional, smoked turkey is a healthier, lighter alternative that still provides rich flavor.
• Make it Ahead: Collard greens actually taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make them ahead of time for an easy meal the following day.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

For this collard greens recipe soul food, you’ll need:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: For simmering the greens and turkey.
• Instapot (optional): For a quicker cooking method.
• Sharp knife: For chopping the greens and vegetables.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring the greens and broth.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Southern collard greens with smoked turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They actually taste better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave.

For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and reheat.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

To present your collard greens with smoked turkey in a way that’s both delicious and visually appealing, try these ideas:

• Serve over rice: Spoon the collard greens and gravy over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with cornbread: Cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to collard greens. It soaks up the rich gravy beautifully.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme before serving.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Vegan Option: If you’re looking for a vegan version, you can use vegetable broth and skip the smoked turkey. Instead, use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes to the greens to make the dish even more hearty and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen collard greens?
Yes, frozen collard greens work well in this recipe, though fresh greens provide the best texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, collard greens taste even better the next day. You can make them ahead and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I make collard greens less bitter?
The addition of vinegar and a little sugar helps balance the bitterness of the greens. Be sure to simmer them slowly to allow the flavors to develop.

Conclusion

Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey is a classic dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious. Whether you’re following a soul food dinner tradition or trying your hand at Jamaican recipes, this dish is the perfect side to complete any meal. The smoky turkey and tender collard greens are a match made in heaven, creating a rich and satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Serve this dish with rice, cornbread, or any of your favorite sides, and enjoy the authentic taste of Southern cooking at home.

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