Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Onion

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-22 · Updated 2026-05-22

Tender collard greens slowly cooked with smoky turkey and caramelized onions, delivering a hearty and flavorful taste of the South. This Southern Soul Food-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs collard greens, smoked turkey leg, yellow onion 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.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds collard greens
• 1 large (about 1.5 pounds) smoked turkey leg
• 1 large, sliced yellow onion
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse and remove thick stems from 2 pounds collard greens, then chop into 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large sliced yellow onion and sauté for 6-8 minutes until golden and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
4. Step 4: Add 1 large smoked turkey leg to the pot along with the chopped collard greens, stirring to combine.
5. Step 5: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and add 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and infused with smoky flavor.
7. Step 7: Remove the turkey leg, shred the meat off the bone, and return the meat to the pot. Stir well and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.