Go Back
collard greens with smoked turkey

Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Recipe Card

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs collard greens washed, trimmed, and chopped
  • 1 smoked turkey leg or wing about 1–1.5 lbs
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or bacon drippings
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar optional, for tang

Method
 

Prepare Smoked Turkey:
  1. Rinse smoked turkey and set aside. If it’s very salty, soak in water for 30 minutes and pat dry.
Cook Aromatics:
  1. n a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or bacon drippings over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add Turkey & Greens:
  1. Place smoked turkey in the pot. Add collard greens in batches, letting them wilt slightly as you add more.
  2. Add Liquid & Seasoning: Pour in broth until greens are just covered. Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer:
  1. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and turkey is infused into the broth.
Finish & Serve:
  1. Remove turkey, shred meat if desired, and return to the pot. Add apple cider vinegar for a touch of tang. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, use a smoked ham hock instead of a turkey leg.
Collard greens shrink significantly when cooking — add them in batches to fit.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Serve with cornbread or rice for a classic Southern meal.