| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 183 | 8g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 5g | 14g | 0.5g |
One of my favorite dishes to make and share with others is the Smoky Collard Greens. There’s something about this recipe that holds a special place in my heart. Maybe it’s the way the smoky flavors play off of the fresh collard greens or perhaps it’s how each ingredient comes together to create a beautiful symphony of taste on your palate. It’s deeply rooted in my Southern heritage, adding a contemporary spin to a timeless classic, just like I strive to do with all my recipes.
Health Benefits in Each Bite
Health-wise, Smoky Collard Greens is a powerhouse of nutrients. Collard greens are incredibly high in Vitamin K, responsible for blood clotting and bone health. They’re packed full of dietary fiber, helping in digestion and in controlling blood sugar levels. The smoked turkey imparts a depth of flavor, while also providing a source of lean protein. Olive oil, used for sautéing, is a source of heart-healthy fats, and the spices pack a punch of antioxidants. It’s a feast for your taste buds, but also a nourishing meal for your body.
The Beauty of Pairing
This Southern delight pairs wonderfully with other traditional southern dishes. Serve it alongside a sizzling skillet of cornbread or alongside smokey grilled chicken for a complete and satisfying meal. It even works beautifully with non-traditional pairings such as a big bowl of quinoa or even on a warm, toasted baguette. The possibilities are pretty much endless.
In essence, I love this Smoky Collard Greens recipe because it reflects who I am – a Texas girl with a love for combining tradition with modernity, deeply inspired by Southern home cooking, and a firm believer in providing meals that feel good and do good. This recipe captures all that and more. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s a staple in my kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of fresh collard greens
- 1.5 cups of water
- 1 smoked turkey leg
- 1 diced onion
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your collard greens. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any residual dirt or grit, then slice them into ribbons about 1-inch wide. Set these aside for later.
Step Two
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the diced onion and sauté until it’s softened and translucent, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic into the pot and continue to sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Step Three
Add the smoked turkey leg to the pot along with smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes until all the spices are well integrated.
Step Four
Then gradually add your collard greens to the pot, stirring continuously so they become covered in the onion, garlic, and spice mixture. Do this until all your collard greens are added and evenly coated.
Step Five
Next, pour in the 1.5 cups of water, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the collard greens are tender and have absorbed the flavour from the spices and turkey leg.
Step Six
Once the collard greens are cooked to your liking, remove the turkey leg, shred it and return the meat to the pot.
Step Seven
Finally, add the juice of half a lemon to the pot and stir well. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the smoky collard greens hot as a side dish or with cornbread for a hearty main course.
