Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

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

Tender collard greens slowly simmered with smoked turkey, onions, and spices to infuse deep, smoky Southern flavor. This southern-inspired vegetarian ready in about 90 minutes pairs large (about 1.5 lbs) smoked turkey leg, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 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: 75 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and chop 2 lbs fresh collard greens into 1-inch wide strips, removing thick ribs. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the 1 large smoked turkey leg to the pot along with 6 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Once boiling, add the chopped collard greens, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and infused with smoky flavor.
  6. Step 6: Remove the smoked turkey leg, shred the meat off the bone, discard the bone, and stir the shredded turkey back into the greens before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Slow-Simmered Collard Greens 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 medium, diced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Collard Greens 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 Slow-Simmered Collard Greens 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 Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey?

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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