Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Onion

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 ready in about 140 minutes pairs pounds collard greens, large, sliced yellow onion, 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: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 Southern Soul Food cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Onion 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 Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey and Onion?

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 pounds collard greens from drying out.

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

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 and Onion 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 and Onion?

Southern Soul Food 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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