Savory Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Garlic

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

Traditional Southern collard greens slow-cooked with smoked turkey and aromatic garlic for a hearty, flavorful side dish. This southern-inspired vegetarian ready in about 135 minutes pairs large (about 1.5 lbs) smoked turkey leg, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add the 1 large smoked turkey leg to the pot along with 2 lbs chopped collard greens, stirring to combine.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until the collard greens are tender and the smoked turkey has infused the dish with deep flavor.
  5. Step 5: Remove the turkey leg, shred any meat from the bone, and stir it back into the greens before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 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 Savory Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Garlic?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Garlic?

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 Savory Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Garlic 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 Savory Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Garlic?

Southern 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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