| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 240 | 8g | 2g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 6g | 12g | 1.2g |
Every once in a while, a recipe comes along that encapsulates everything you love about cooking, dining, and celebrating simple, hearty flavors. For me, Turnip Green Soup is such a recipe. Its humble origins trace back to Southern tradition, artfully combining accessible farm-to-table ingredients into a warm bowl of comforting goodness. It’s a nod to my Charleston roots and an homage to the beautiful coastal terrain I call home.
Turnip Green Soup – A Soothing Soul Classic
Turnip Green Soup is akin to the cozy afghan you throw over your lap on chilly mornings, except in edible form. Its infectious warmth starts with a base of sautéed onions and hearty ham hock, then progresses into leafy turnip greens and fresh, crisp turnips. A generous dollop of diced tomatoes adds an earthy sweetness to the mix. The cannellini beans contribute a creamy texture and balance out other flavors. It’s a harmonious ensemble that’s both wholesome and hearty—a matchless symphony of Southern-cuisine staples weaved together.
A Haven of Health Benefits
Moreover, Turnip Green Soup doesn’t merely please your palate—it can work wonders for your health as well. Leafy greens like turnip greens are known to feature an array of essential nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamin C, calcium, and vitamin K. Cannellini beans, similarly, contribute an impressive amount of fiber and plant-based protein. The inclusion of olive oil and other whole foods serves a generous dose of heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, reinforcing the overall nutritional value of this recipe.
Inspired Combinations and Delicious Pairings
Turnip Green Soup definitely holds its own as a standalone dish yet can effortlessly integrate into a larger meal when needed. Pair it with traditional Southern cornbread or a fluffy buttermilk biscuit to inject a touch of nostalgia into the meal. You can consider serving it alongside fried chicken or a coastal seafood dish like shrimp and grits, marrying the quintessential Southern comfort food to create a mouthwatering feast. Whether you’re warming up a casual family dinner or feeding a crowd during the holidays, the adaptability and seamless compatibility of Turnip Green Soup make it a go-to recipe in any cook’s repertoire.
In conclusion, every spoonful of Turnip Green Soup carries echoes of Southern heritage, binds together the comforting flavors of land and sea and, above all, speaks to my heart. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a narrative of my roots, a testament to my love for coastal gastronomy, and an expression of my Southern soul.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ham hock
- 1 pound turnip greens, cleaned and chopped
- 2 medium-sized turnips, peeled and diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
Method
Step One
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Two
To the sautéed onion and garlic, add your ham hock. Let it sear on all sides, this will take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Now add the cleaned and chopped turnip greens to the pot, along with the diced turnips. Sauté these ingredients together until the greens have wilted.
Step Four
Once the greens have wilted, add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, cannellini beans, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer.
Step Five
Let your soup simmer for about an hour. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and will help soften the turnips.
Step Six
After your soup has simmered, remove the ham hock from the pot. Cut the meat off the bone, dice it, and add it back to the soup.
Step Seven
Add the diced ham, diced apple, and apple cider vinegar to the soup. Stir all ingredients together and let everything simmer for another 30 minutes.
Step Eight
Your Turnip Green Soup is now ready to enjoy! Be sure to taste it before serving, you may need to adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
