Description
This slow cooker collard greens recipe delivers a comforting, soul-warming side. It simmers low and slow, filling your kitchen with rich, smoky goodness. This dish will become a family favorite for gatherings, weeknight dinners, and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds fresh collard greens, washed and chopped
- 1 pound smoked turkey wings or legs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the collard greens thoroughly. Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves into 1-2 inch pieces.
- Place the chopped collard greens into your slow cooker.
- Add the smoked turkey wings or legs on top of the collard greens.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic over the greens and turkey.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar.
- Stir in the brown sugar (if using), smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Remember that smoked turkey can add saltiness.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the collard greens are tender and the smoked turkey is falling off the bone.
- Carefully remove the smoked turkey from the slow cooker. Shred the meat from the bones and discard the bones and skin.
- Return the shredded smoked turkey meat to the slow cooker and stir it into the collard greens.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve your slow cooker collard greens warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor in your slow cooked collard greens, you can sear the smoked turkey wings or legs in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the smoked turkey and use vegetable broth. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
- These southern style slow cooker collard greens are even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of heat in your collard greens.
- To store, allow the slow cooker collard greens to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg