Southern Turnip Greens with Smoked Turkey Recipe

Introduction

Southern Turnip Greens are a classic soul food dish that brings hearty, smoky flavors to your table. Slow-cooked with a smoked turkey leg and well-seasoned, these greens are tender, flavorful, and perfect as a comforting side or main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped white onions
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 pounds fresh turnip greens (including stems; about 3-4 bundles)
• 1 smoked turkey leg or wing
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1/2 tablespoon Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1-2 tablespoons sweetener or sugar (adjust to taste; 2 tablespoons recommended)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the smoked turkey in a large pot and add enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the turkey is tender. Add water as needed if it evaporates.
2. Step 2: While the turkey cooks, wash the turnip greens thoroughly. Fill a large bowl or sink with water and scrub the veins of the leaves to remove dirt and sand. Repeat until the water runs clear.
3. Step 3: Remove the stems from the greens and slice the leaves into smaller pieces.
4. Step 4: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then sauté the onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
5. Step 5: Deglaze the pot by adding the chicken broth.
6. Step 6: Begin adding the greens in batches, allowing each batch to wilt down before adding more to fit them all in the pot. Stir occasionally.
7. Step 7: Add the Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, sugar, and the smoked turkey to the pot. Bring to a boil.
8. Step 8: Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for about 2 hours until the greens and turkey are very tender. Stir occasionally and check for sufficient liquid.
9. Step 9: Remove the turkey, shred the meat with forks, and return it to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning or sugar as needed.
10. Step 10: Serve hot as a delicious, comforting side or main dish.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked turkey wings or necks for more smoky flavor if preferred.
• Adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener to balance the bitterness of the greens.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey and use vegetable broth with smoked paprika for depth.
• Cook the greens longer on low heat if you prefer them very soft and tender.

Storage

Store leftover turnip greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors often deepen after sitting overnight.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried turnip greens instead of fresh?

Dried turnip greens are not recommended for this recipe as fresh greens provide the best texture and flavor. If using dried, adjust cooking times and liquid accordingly.

What can I substitute for smoked turkey?

If smoked turkey is unavailable, smoked ham hocks or bacon work well to impart a similar smoky flavor to the greens.

Southern Turnip Greens with Smoked Turkey Recipe

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This Southern Turnip Greens recipe is a classic, comforting dish featuring tender, smoky greens slow-cooked with a smoked turkey leg and seasoned with Creole spices. Perfect as a flavorful side or a hearty main, these greens deliver bold southern flavors with a balance of smokiness, sweetness, and spice.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1 cup chopped white onions
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 pounds fresh turnip greens (including stems)

Meat & Broth:

• 1 smoked turkey leg or wing
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth (or water)

Seasonings & Oils:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon Creole Seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1–2 tablespoons sweetener or sugar (adjust to taste; 2 tablespoons used)

Instructions

1. Cook the smoked turkey: Place the smoked turkey in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the meat becomes tender. Monitor the water level and add more if it evaporates during cooking.
2. Wash the greens: While the turkey cooks, wash the turnip greens thoroughly. Use a large bowl or sink filled with water and scrub the veins of the leaves to remove dirt and sand. Repeat rinsing until water is clear.
3. Prepare the greens: Remove the stems from the washed greens and slice the leaves into smaller, manageable pieces.
4. Sauté aromatics: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
5. Deglaze the pot: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping any browned bits off the bottom to enhance flavor.
6. Add the greens in batches: Begin layering the greens in the pot in batches, stirring to allow them to wilt down to fit more in the pot.
7. Season and combine: Add Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, sugar or sweetener, and the cooked smoked turkey to the pot. Bring everything to a boil.
8. Simmer the greens: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the greens cook gently for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the greens are soft and the turkey is tender enough to fall off the bone.
9. Shred the turkey: Remove the turkey from the pot, shred the meat with forks, and return it to the pot with the greens.
10. Final seasoning and serve: Taste the greens and add extra seasoning, sugar, or spices if needed. Serve warm as a flavorful southern side or main dish.

Notes

• Using a smoked turkey leg or wing adds authentic smoky flavor usually imparted by ham hocks in traditional recipes.
• If you prefer a less smoky taste, substitute turkey with smoked ham or a non-smoked alternative.
• Adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener based on your preference for balance against the smoky and spicy seasonings.
• Turnip greens can be substituted with collard greens or mustard greens if desired, but cooking times may vary slightly.
• For a gluten-free dish, ensure the Creole seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free.

Keywords: Southern Turnip Greens, Turnip Greens Recipe, Smoked Turkey Greens, Southern Side Dish, Creole Seasoning Greens