Sylvia'S Collard Greens With Smoked Turkey
Sylvia's Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey offers rich, smoky flavors complemented by tender greens, perfect for comforting family meals or special gatherings with bold Southern taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 4-quart saucepan, bring water and smoked turkey necks to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour.
- While the turkey is cooking, wipe the collards with a damp towel, then wash two or three times until all dirt and grit are removed.
- Chop the greens into 1/2-inch pieces; you will have about 10 cups of chopped greens.
- Add the collards, vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes to the saucepan.
- Return to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes longer.
- Discard the turkey before serving or chop the turkey meat and add it to the collards.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked ham hocks instead of turkey necks. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh collard greens can be tough, so ensure they are well washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces to enhance tenderness. Pair with cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the collard greens hot, garnished with a sprinkle of additional black pepper if desired. They pair beautifully with cornbread or alongside a hearty dish like Polish Sausage Stir-Fry. For a complete meal, consider serving with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful broth.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. The collards can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sylvia'S Collard Greens With Smoked Turkey contains roughly 48 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% 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 fresh collard greens instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh collard greens are ideal for this recipe. Just make sure to wash and chop them thoroughly to remove any grit. The cooking time remains the same, ensuring they become tender and flavorful.
Is there a vegetarian substitute for the smoked turkey?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the smoked turkey with liquid smoke or smoked paprika to add depth of flavor. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of water enhances the dish without compromising taste.
How can I make these collard greens spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes or include sliced jalapeños during cooking. For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce just before serving for a flavorful punch.
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).