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Best Easy Smoked Turkey Collard Greens for New Years

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These Best Easy Smoked Turkey Collard Greens are a soulful, savory side dish perfect for New Year’s Day. Smoked turkey gives the potlikker incredible depth, while a touch of vinegar and brown sugar balances the greens’ bitterness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large bunches collard greens (about 2 lbs total)
  • 1.5 to 2 lbs smoked turkey leg or thigh
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Greens: Wash collard greens thoroughly in cold water. Remove tough stems by folding each leaf in half and slicing out the stem. Stack leaves, roll tightly, and slice into 1-inch wide ribbons (chiffonade). Set aside to drain.
  2. Sear the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add smoked turkey leg and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove turkey to a plate.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, scraping up browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Build the Broth: Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pot by scraping up any remaining browned bits. Add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Stir well.
  5. Add the Greens: Add collard greens to the pot a handful at a time, stirring gently to wilt each batch before adding the next.
  6. Simmer: Return seared turkey to the pot, nestling it into the greens. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until greens are silky-tender and turkey meat is falling off the bone.
  7. Shred the Turkey & Finish: Carefully remove turkey leg to a cutting board. Let cool slightly, then shred the meat, discarding skin and bones. Return shredded meat to the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, vinegar, or sugar as needed.

Notes

The greens are even better the next day; cook them on New Year’s Eve and reheat gently. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth, liquid smoke, and smoked paprika. For extra heat, add a whole dried cayenne pepper or chopped habanero. To reduce bitterness, ensure tough stems are removed and use the sugar and vinegar as directed.

Nutrition

Keywords: collard greens, smoked turkey, New Year's, soul food, Southern, potlikker, easy, holiday

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/best-easy-smoked-turkey-collard-greens-for-new-years/