Fresh Collard Or Turnip Greens
A hearty Southern classic featuring tender greens simmered with flavorful smoked meat, seasoned with lemon pepper, red pepper, and vinegar, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the meat to a boil in 2 to 3 cups of water and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of lemon pepper, a dash of wine vinegar, and red pepper to the meat and broth.
- Add the cleaned greens and bring to a boil.
- Add another teaspoon of lemon pepper, salt, chopped onion, and a pinch of sugar.
- Cover and simmer the greens for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding smoked meat or ham hocks to the boiling water. If collard greens are too tough for your taste, you can use turnip greens as a milder alternative. A pinch of sugar balances the bitterness of the greens, and if you're using fresh greens, ensure they're thoroughly cleaned to remove any grit. This recipe pairs beautifully with Pork Chops Hawaiian.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the collard or turnip greens over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. They also pair well with cornbread for a traditional southern touch. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside grilled meats or any of your favorite pork recipes, such as Pork Pinakbet, to enhance the meal's flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the greens in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave them in a covered bowl for quick reheating, adding water if they seem dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Collard Or Turnip Greens contains roughly 38 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 523mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen greens instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen collard or turnip greens can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the pot. They may cook faster than fresh greens, so adjust your simmering time accordingly.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, omit any meat and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can enhance the flavor by adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the depth of flavor that meat would provide.
What can I substitute for lemon pepper?
If you don't have lemon pepper, you can make a substitute by mixing equal parts of lemon zest and black pepper. Alternatively, use a combination of lemon juice and ground black pepper in the recipe for a similar tangy flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).