Turnip Greens

5 from 1 vote

These authentic Soul Food Turnip Greens are braised in a savory smoked turkey meat flavored and perfectly spiced pot liquor resulting in an incredible tender silky texture that's to die for.

Prep Time15

Cook Time1 16

Total Time1 31

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: soul food, Southern

Servings: servings

Calories: 292kcal

Author: Jocelyn Delk Adams

Equipment

Dutch Oven

Ingredients

1 cup chicken stock
1 smoked turkey leg
1 medium yellow onion finely diced
1 green bell pepper finely diced
4 garlic cloves minced
3 lbs turnip greens 6 small to medium bunches
1/3 cup neutral oil
1 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, add 2 cups of water and chicken stock. Add turkey leg and heat over medium heat and cook for 30 minutes until the liquid is a golden color and has been imparted with the turkey leg’s flavor.
Meanwhile, thoroughly clean greens in a sink full of warm water. Pull the leaves from the stems. Combine the leaves in small stacks, then roll them like a cigar and cut the crosswise into 1 inch wide pieces, leaving you with strips of leaves. Discard the stems.
To the pot, add the diced onion, bell pepper, turnip, half of the greens and all the oil. Cover with lid and allow first batch to cook down for ten minutes. The greens will reduce down by half.
Stir in seasoning salt, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes and remaining greens.
Stir consistently, making sure to break up any packed greens and turn the lighter, less cooked greens to the bottom. Cook until greens are slick and tender, about 50-55 minutes. You may need to add more water to the cooking liquid; you want the greens to braise, not fry (this will help create a delicious pot likker).
Most of the meat will have fallen off the bone, but shred any remaining large pieces and stir back into the greens and serve.

Nutrition