Southern Collard Greens
Ingredients
- ½ cwhite distilled vinegar
- 3 tbspsalt
- 2 bunchesfresh collard greens)
(see note
- 1 tbspextra virgin olive oil
- ½ cfinely diced onions
- 1 tbspminced garlic
- ½ tspred pepper flakes
- 4 cchicken broth)
(can replace 1 cup with water if desired
- 1fully-cooked smoked turkey leg or wing)
(about 13 oz
- 1 tbspwhite distilled vinegar
- applewood smoked salt & black pepper
to season
Directions
Prep the collard greens
- 1
Prepare the collard greens bath by filling your kitchen sink with cool water and adding vinegar and salt.
- 2
Remove the collard greens from the steams by folding them in half lengthwise and pulling the leaf away from the stem. (discard the stem or see note below on how to cook them)
- 3
Place the collard greens into the prepared water bath and swish them around several times, scrubbing them to help loosen up any dirt.
- 4
Let the collard greens soak for 15-20 minutes, giving them a scrub midway. Drain the water and refill with plain water and allow the greens to soak again if needed. Repeat as many times as needed until the water is free from any dirt or grit. After the final soak, drain the water. Next, rinse and scrub each leaf front and back with cool water to ensure they are squeaky clean.
- 5
Tear the greens into bite-sized pieces and set them aside.
Cook the greens
- 1
In a large pot, heat olive oil. Add onions and saute until tender.
- 2
Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until garlic is fragrant.
- 3
Pour in the broth and add the turkey leg. Bring to a boil.
- 4
Add collard greens and reduce heat to a simmer.
- 5
Cover and cook collard for 1 hour (or longer depending on your desired tenderness), stirring regularly.
- 6
Once done, stir and then taste the broth and the greens. (add a little water if the broth is too bold for your liking)
- 7
Stir in vinegar and smoked salt, and black pepper if desired.
- 8
Serve collard greens with pieces of the smoked turkey leg and hot sauce if desired.
Southern Collard Greens
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About this Recipe
Craving the soul-satisfying depth of authentic Southern greens? This recipe for Southern Collard Greens delivers on all fronts, bringing rich, complex flavors to your table with ease. It's the perfect side dish to complement any meal, brimming with savory goodness that tastes like it simmered all day. This recipe offers that comforting, flavorful experience without unnecessary fuss.
The magic in these collard greens comes from a thoughtful combination of ingredients designed for maximum flavor. The smoked turkey leg is key, infusing every leaf with a foundational smokiness, while aromatic onions and garlic build layers of savory depth. A touch of red pepper flakes provides a gentle warmth, and the dual addition of white distilled vinegar brightens the overall profile, ensuring a perfectly balanced taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Prepare for tender, vibrant collard greens that have been transformed into a silken texture, deeply infused with the smoky essence of turkey and a robust, savory broth. Each forkful offers a harmonious blend of earthy collard flavors, brightened by a subtle tang from the vinegar and a comforting warmth. This dish is not just a side; it's a celebration of classic Southern comfort food, promising a rich, aromatic experience that feels both traditional and incredibly satisfying.
While the smoked turkey leg is a cornerstone of flavor, you can easily use a smoked turkey wing as an alternative to achieve similar smoky notes. For those preferring a slightly less intense broth, one cup of the chicken broth can be replaced with water without sacrificing overall flavor. If you're looking to enjoy these greens in a vegetarian capacity, simply omit the smoked turkey.
These Southern Collard Greens are ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply when you're craving a taste of the South. They pair beautifully with roasted meats, cornbread, or any traditional Southern spread, elevating your meal with their rich, savory presence.