Few dishes capture the essence of Southern comfort quite like smoky collard greens simmered low and slow with tender turkey wings. This heritage recipe transforms humble leafy greens into a flavorful, soul-warming staple that’s as rich in history as it is in taste. Rooted deeply in Southern kitchens and passed down through generations, this classic dish melds smoky, savory, and slightly bitter notes into a harmonious celebration of tradition and flavor. Join us as we explore the magic behind smoky collard greens with turkey wings-a timeless Southern classic that brings warmth to the table and a story to every bite.
Smoky Collard Greens with Turkey Wings: A Southern Classic
Smoky collard greens with turkey wings encapsulate the heart and soul of Southern cooking, offering layers of deep, comforting flavor that only slow-simmered greens and tender turkey wings can bring. This dish is a celebration of tradition, where every simmering pot tells a story of family gatherings, warm hospitality, and enduring flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned Southern kitchen veteran or exploring soul food for the first time, mastering this recipe brings you closer to a true classic that’s both richly flavorful and wonderfully approachable.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Yield
Serves 6 hearty portions
Difficulty Level
Medium – Requires patience and attention to detail but ideal for cooks at all levels willing to embrace slow-simmering techniques
Ingredients
- 4 large turkey wings, split and rinsed
- 2 pounds fresh collard greens, thoroughly washed and chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 smoked ham hock (optional, for extra smokiness)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 bay leaves
instructions
- Prepare the turkey wings: pat dry the turkey wings and season them generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add turkey wings and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes, to develop a deep, smoky crust. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Build the smoky broth: Return turkey wings (and ham hock if using) to the pot. Pour in chicken broth,add bay leaves,red pepper flakes,and sugar. Stir well to combine all spices.
- Simmer for flavor infusion: Bring the mixture to a slow boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for about 1 hour, allowing the turkey’s smoky flavors to infuse the broth thoroughly.
- Prepare collard greens: While the broth simmers, remove thick stems from the collard greens. Rinse leaves thoroughly to eliminate grit. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Add greens to the pot: After the turkey wings are tender, stir in the collard greens and vinegar. Cover and simmer for an additional 30-45 minutes until the greens are tender but still vibrant in color, stirring occasionally.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt or vinegar if needed. Remove bay leaves before serving.
Tips for Success
- Choosing your turkey wings: Look for fresh or thoroughly thawed wings with skin on for maximum flavor and richness. Organic or free-range options impart a cleaner, deeper taste.
- Cleaning collard greens: double rinsing is key – grit hides between folds. Consider soaking in cold water with a splash of vinegar to loosen dirt.
- Smoky broth variations: For a more intense smoky aroma, incorporate liquid smoke sparingly, or swap the ham hock for smoked turkey necks.
- Make-ahead friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat over low heat.
- Vinegar balance: Apple cider vinegar brightens the dish and balances richness-add gradually, tasting as you go.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings to Celebrate Southern Tradition
plate your smoky collard greens with turkey wings alongside classic southern cornbread-its crumbly texture and subtle sweetness create the perfect palate partner. For a truly traditional spread, add black-eyed peas, candied yams, and a drizzle of hot sauce for heat and zest.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to add a pop of color and subtle heat. Serve with a tall glass of sweet tea or a refreshing lemonade to balance the smokiness and savor every soulful bite.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
For more inspiration on southern comfort classics, visit the Southern Living recipe collection.
Q&A
Q&A: Smoky Collard Greens with Turkey wings - A Southern Classic
Q: What makes collard greens with turkey wings so iconic in Southern cuisine?
A: Collard greens with turkey wings are a cornerstone of Southern cooking as they marry humble ingredients with deep,smoky flavors that tell a story of tradition and community. The turkey wings impart a rich, smoky broth that transforms simple collard greens into a soulful dish, embodying the heart and history of the South.Q: Why use turkey wings instead of ham hocks or bacon?
A: turkey wings provide a unique, smoky depth without the intense saltiness or fat content of pork. This makes the dish flavorful yet lighter, offering a tasty alternative that still honors the original smoky essence cherished in Southern kitchens.
Q: How do you achieve that perfect smoky flavor?
A: The secret lies in slow-simmering the turkey wings with aromatics like onions, garlic, and smoked paprika or liquid smoke. this low-and-slow cooking process infuses the greens with a deeply layered, smoky richness that’s both comforting and bold.
Q: Can collard greens be prepared ahead of time?
A: absolutely! Actually, collard greens frequently enough taste even better the next day as their flavors continue to meld. Prepare them a day ahead and gently reheat; you’ll notice the smoky notes intensify and the texture soften perfectly.
Q: are collard greens with turkey wings healthy?
A: Yes! Collard greens are nutrient powerhouses loaded with vitamins A, C, K, and calcium. Turkey wings add protein without excessive fat if trimmed well, making this dish both comforting and nourishing-a true win-win.
Q: What sides traditionally accompany this dish?
A: Smoky collard greens pair beautifully with cornbread, black-eyed peas, and mashed sweet potatoes, creating a perfectly balanced Southern feast that celebrates both flavor and heritage.
Q: Can vegetarians enjoy a smoky collard greens version?
A: Definitely! Use smoked paprika,liquid smoke,or smoked tofu to mimic the smoky depth of turkey wings. While it won’t be the same,this plant-based twist still honors the spirit of the dish with rich,comforting flavors.Q: Any tips for selecting the best collard greens?
A: Look for bright, deep green leaves that are firm and free of yellowing or wilting. Freshness is key to vibrant flavor and tender texture after cooking.
Q: What’s a rapid tip for prepping collard greens?
A: Remove the tough central stems before cooking – it helps the leaves become tender and soak up the smoky broth more evenly. Also, give them a thorough rinse to wash away grit or sand frequently found in leafy greens.
In every pot of smoky collard greens with turkey wings simmers generations of Southern culinary magic, a perfect blend of flavor, history, and heartwarming nourishment. Give it a try-your taste buds are in for a soulful journey!
To Conclude
As the rich aroma of smoky collard greens mingled with tender turkey wings fills your kitchen, you’re not just preparing a meal-you’re stepping into a cherished Southern tradition.This dish, steeped in history and flavor, embodies the warmth of home-cooked comfort and the soulful spirit of the South. Whether served alongside cornbread or your favorite fixings, smoky collard greens with turkey wings offer more than nourishment-they offer a connection to the past and a celebration of hearty, soulful cooking. So next time you crave a taste of Southern heritage, let this classic dish transport you, one flavorful leaf at a time.
