Description
A hearty dish featuring smoked turkey and fresh turnip greens, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped white onions
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 pounds fresh turnip greens (this is usually 3–4 bundles; weigh for accuracy; weight includes the stems)
- 1 smoked turkey leg or wing (see notes)
- 1 1/2–2 cups chicken broth (you can also use water)
- 1/2 tablespoon Creole seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1–2 tablespoons sweetener or sugar (adjust to taste; I used 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Place the smoked turkey in a pot large enough to fit along with water. Add enough water to cover the turkey. Bring the water to a boil. Cook the turkey for 45 minutes to an hour until it becomes tender. You may have to keep a close watch and add additional water as the water evaporates.
- While the smoked turkey cooks/softens, wash your greens. Fill a large bowl or your sink with water. Use your hands and scrub the veins of the leaves to remove any dirt or sand. Wash the greens thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Remove the stems from the greens and slice the greens into smaller pieces.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the pot along with the onions and garlic. I like to use a Dutch oven because you can sauté the vegetables and cook the greens all in one pot.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan by adding the chicken broth.
- Begin to layer in the greens and add them in batches. Greens will need to wilt down a lot in order to fit in the pot. Add in the greens and then stir and allow them to cook down.
- Add in the Creole seasoning, smoked paprika, sugar, and smoked turkey. Bring the pot to a boil.
- Place the lid on the pot and adjust the heat to medium-low. Allow the greens to cook for 2 hours or until the greens are soft and the smoked turkey is tender (fall off the bone tender). Check in throughout the cooking process and stir the greens when necessary.
- Open the pot and remove the turkey. Shred the meat from the turkey using forks and return it to the pot. Taste the greens repeatedly and add seasoning, sugar, and spices if necessary.
- Serve.
Notes
- For best results, use a good quality smoked turkey leg or wing for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg