Southern Collard Greens are fresh greens seasoned with smoked turkey necks and a blend of spices.
Watch us make this recipe!
No matter where you are from, most everyone has a love for greens; however, not all may care to take the time to cook them. Even though once cooked you will have a lot less greens than what you started with, they are so worth it.
To make the process easier, I prefer to wash and "pick" my greens one day and cook them the following day. I may even cut them into strips and place them in a container so all I have to do the next day is add them to the pot.
So let's get into it, so I can show you how its done!
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This is how they should look once cut into strips:
Ingredients needed:
- 4 bunches of collard greens
- Smoked turkey necks
- Yellow onion
- Green bell pepper
- Jalapeno
- Seasonings: salt, brown sugar, granulated sugar, seasoned salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar
- Vegetable oil
- Water
Steps to make the greens:
Fill a large pot halfway with water. Add the turkey necks to the pot and boil them for one hour. Make sure to keep enough water in the pot to cover the turkey necks.
While the turkey necks are cooking, wash and cut the greens as pictured above. After the turkey necks have boiled, reserve four to six cups of the broth and pour the remainder of the broth from the pot.
Add the greens to the pot and allow them to cook for about 15 minutes before seasoning them.
Season the greens with brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, seasoned salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sliced jalapeno, onion, bell pepper, oil, and apple cider vinegar.
Yes we're adding sugar to these greens. It's not "traditional" to add sugar to greens believe me there is something special about it.
Reduce the heat and cook covered for about an hour or until greens are wilted and tender.
Tips for the Collard Greens
While I'm washing and prepping my greens, I boil my turkey necks since they have to cook for about an hour before adding the greens to the pot.
Salt pork, ham hocks, and bacon are also commonly used meats in greens. All of these are great choices. They give the greens added flavor.
If preparing the greens the night before, once your turkey necks have boiled, allow them to cool and reserve four to six cups of the water that you cooked them in.
Then place them in a Tupperware dish. Place everything in the fridge until the next morning and half of your work is done.
At times you may pick a batch of greens that are bitter and hard to season. This is normal and happens.
Adjust your seasonings and cook the greens longer if necessary. They are not done until they are nice and tender. Have fun with this recipe and as always enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Store the greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
The greens freeze well in a gallon bag in the refrigerator for about three months.
Salt pork and ham hocks are also great meats to cook with greens.
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Ingredients
- 4 bunches of collard greens stemmed and cut into strips
- 2 smoked turkey necks
- ½ c yellow onion- diced
- ½ c green bell pepper- diced
- 1 jalapeno- diced
- ¼ c brown sugar
- ¼ c granulated sugar
- 3 tbsps apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tbsps seasoned salt
- 1 tbsps garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- water
Instructions
- Fill a large pot halfway with water.
- Add the turkey necks to the pot and boil them for one hour. Make sure to keep enough water in the pot to cover the turkey necks.
- While the turkey necks are cooking, wash and cut the greens as pictured above. (See video for further clarity)
- After the turkey necks have boiled, reserve four to six cups of the broth and pour the remainder of the broth from the pot.
- Add the greens to the pot and allow them to cook for about 15 minutes before seasoning them.
- Season the greens with brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, seasoned salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sliced jalapeno, onion, bell pepper, oil, and apple cider vinegar.
- Reduce the heat and cook for an hour or until greens are wilted and tender.
- Serve and enjoy!
Faheem ahmed says
I never seen this. thank you
Ashley says
You have to try it! You won't be disappointed!
Christina Egan says
You better let them know that only Lawry's Seasoning Salt will do 😉
Ashley says
Lol! It's the best isn't it?!
bluebowlsteph says
I don't know if I've ever had collard greens but I'm convinced that I need to try them!
Ashley says
I'm sure you would like them! I hope you get a chance to make them.
Stine Mari says
This looks really easy, and I love the seasoning of it! Thanks for sharing
Ashley says
Thank you!
simplysensationalfood says
I love how organised you are with your recipe prep. The greens look very tasty with all the added flavours.
Ashley says
Really? Thank you! I appreciate you stopping by.
Michelle says
Love Collard Greens! Just wish I could get my kiddos to eat them as well, maybe I will try one more time with this one!
Ashley says
The sugar in this recipe may help, since kids tend to love sugar and collard greens can be a little bitter depending on how you season them. You can always adjust how much sugar you add to you taste.
camila hurst says
I love collard greens! The way I like the most is how we traditionally eat it in Brazil, which is sautéed with olive oil and lots of garlic, and sometimes farofa. And I also like it in salads, chopped really finely and mixed with onions, olive oil, salt and vinegar. Those are my favorite ways to eat collard greens. However, your way looks phenomenal and I would love to give this a try.
Ashley says
That sounds so good! I love olive oil and garlic. I have never had farofa. I will have to give it a try one of these days. Thanks for stopping by.
Casey says
Collard Greens are the absolute best! I love making vegan versions of the country style greens!
Ashley says
They sure are! Cool beans! I'm sure they are just as good vegan style!
Chelsea Leigh says
Oh my gosh! Thank you for sharing!! I loveee collard greens. I’ll definitely have to try your recipe!
Ashley says
They are so good right? Thank you!
Candi Randolph says
I've never had collard greens but this recipe looks so tasty!
Ashley says
You don't know what your missing! They are so good!