Soulful Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

When it comes to Southern cuisine, there are few dishes that capture the essence of rich traditions and comforting flavors quite like Southern Collard Greens. These hearty greens, slow-cooked to perfection, are a staple in Southern cuisine and hold a special place on many tables.

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches of collard greens

• 1 smoked turkey leg or wing

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to heat preference)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

• Cornbread, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Collard Greens: Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove (to ensure your collard greens are thoroughly clean and free of any dirt or grit, we recommend soaking them in a mixture of distilled vinegar and water for about 5-10 minute and rinse well. Next, remove the tough stems and discard or save for another use. Stack the leaves on top of each other and roll them tightly. Slice the rolled greens into thin strips, creating ribbons of collard greens. Set them aside for now.

Step 2: Cook the Smoked Turkey: In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the smoked turkey leg or wing and add enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce the heat to low. Let the turkey simmer for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone. Remove the turkey from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the meat and discard the bone and skin.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot used for cooking the turkey, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This will infuse the flavors into the dish.

Step 4: Add Collard Greens and Seasonings: Add the collard greens to the pot with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir well to coat the greens with the flavors. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook: Cover the pot and let the collard greens simmer over low heat for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until they become tender and have absorbed the flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. The longer the greens cook, the more tender they will become.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the collard greens are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey as a side dish alongside your favorite Southern fare, such as cornbread or fried chicken. Feel free to drizzle some hot sauce over the greens for an extra kick. The flavors will meld beautifully, and you'll experience the true soul of Southern cooking.

Whether served as a side or a main course, these tender collard greens will warm your soul.