Collard Greens Braised with Smoked Turkey

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender collard greens slowly simmered with smoky turkey and savory aromatics for a classic soul food side dish. This Southern American-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs fresh collard greens, smoked turkey wing, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Southern American cuisine 160 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 pounds fresh collard greens thoroughly and remove thick stems. Stack and slice leaves into 1-inch wide strips.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the 1 whole smoked turkey wing and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar to the pot, then pour in 4 cups chicken broth.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and add the sliced collard greens along with 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  5. Step 5: Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and infused with smoky flavor from the turkey.
  6. Step 6: Remove the smoked turkey wing, shred any meat off the bone, and stir it back into the greens before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Collard Greens Braised with Smoked Turkey take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Collard Greens Braised with Smoked Turkey?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh collard greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Collard Greens Braised with Smoked Turkey?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Collard Greens Braised with Smoked Turkey for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Collard Greens Braised with Smoked Turkey?

Southern American vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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