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still 2026 10 04 133603 1.1.8

Southern Collard Greens

5 from 1 vote
Tender Southern-style collard greens simmered in a savory broth with smoked turkey wings, onions, red and green bell peppers, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and seasonings. A flavorful Southern side dish with plenty of smoky pot liquor.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern

Ingredients
  

  • 3 bunches collard greens
  • 1/2 large white onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 smoked turkey wings
  • 2 –4 cups low sodium chicken broth as needed
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Crushed red pepper flakes to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • Onion powder to taste
  • Garlic powder to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Method
 

  1. Thoroughly clean and rinse the collard greens.
  2. Remove the tough center stems. Stack several leaves, roll them tightly, and slice crosswise into even ribbons. Set aside.
  3. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the diced onion and red and green bell peppers. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  6. Reduce the heat and add the smoked turkey wings and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
  7. Season to taste with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  8. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 30–45 minutes, or until the smoked turkey is tender.
  9. Remove the turkey wings and allow them to cool enough to handle. Remove the meat from the bones and discard the bones and skin.
  10. Add the prepared collard greens to the pot, working in batches if necessary.
  11. Return the smoked turkey meat to the pot.
  12. Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the collard greens reach your preferred tenderness.
  13. Add additional chicken broth as needed during cooking.
  14. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
  15. Serve hot with some of the flavorful pot liquor and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Wash collard greens extremely well to remove all dirt and grit.
  • Remove the thick center stems for more tender greens.
  • Start with about 2 cups of chicken broth and add more as needed, up to approximately 4 cups.
  • Smoked turkey and chicken broth can already contain salt, so season gradually.
  • Add the collard greens in batches if they don't all fit into the pot initially.
  • Cooking time for the greens will vary depending on their size, age, and how tender you prefer them.
  • Keep some of that flavorful pot liquor when serving and storing the greens.