Collard Greens Recipe

Collard greens are a southern staple that have that comforting flavor of home and nostalgia to many Southerners. This dish combines the bitter, salty, and spicy flavors perfectly while getting a taste of this delicious and nutritious vegetable. Collard greens are usually paired with flavorful smoked meats like ham, bacon, or in this case turkey for a more complex, deeper flavor.

How to prepare Collard Greens

Ingredients

• 3 bunches of collard greens about 2 lbs.
• 2 cups onion diced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 green pepper diced
• 1 sweet bell pepper diced
• 1 tbsp jalapeno pepper diced
• 2 lbs. whole smoked turkey wings
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
• 2-3 tsp crushed red pepper
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• salt and pepper for taste

Instructions

1. Wash collard greens and remove the thick stems and veins from the leaves. Then chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mince garlic and dice onions, green pepper, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper.
3. Next, in a large pot or Dutch oven, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the green peppers, sweet bell peppers, jalapeno and onions. Sauté until soft. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Then, add the broth to the Dutch oven then add the crushed red pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning. Mix well.
5. Add the smoked turkey wings and simmer for an hour.
6. Add the collard greens on top of the smoked turkey wings. Add vinegar and sugar. Once the greens wilt, cover the Dutch oven and simmer for 1 ½ – 2 hours.
7. Remove the turkey bones from the oven/pot. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir contents from Dutch oven.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Dishes That Pair Well with Collard Greens

These are some other southern favorite dishes that pair perfectly with cooked collard greens.

Cornbread: Cornbread has definitely changed over the years, but the base recipe is simple and requires only a handful of ingredients you’re likely to have in your pantry. View the recipe here.

Spiced Pork Ribs: Upgrade your gatherings with this mouthwatering rib recipe! With this simple, foolproof way to cook ribs, your friends and family will enjoy every bite. Plan ahead because these ribs require time to marinate and time in the oven. View the recipe here.

Potato Salad: This simple potato salad is the perfect side dish for entertaining or to make ahead for the week. It has a refreshing crunch and zing thanks to two types of onion, celery, herbs, and spicy mustard. And an added plus, it is vegan! View the recipe here.