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Tender Southern Turnip Greens: Easy Smoked Turkey Necks Recipe

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A comforting Southern side dish featuring slow-simmered turnip greens and smoked turkey necks, seasoned with apple cider vinegar and aromatic spices for a rich, earthy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh turnip greens (or 32 ounces frozen chopped turnip greens)
  • 2–3 large smoked turkey necks
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Crystal)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 6–8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the turnip greens thoroughly in cold water to remove grit, chop off tough stems, and rough up the leaves.
  2. Rinse the smoked turkey necks and place them in a large Dutch oven or stockpot. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Pour in enough water or broth to cover ingredients by two inches.
  3. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
  4. Remove the turkey necks and let them cool. Pull the meat off the bones, discarding bones, skin, and excess fat. Chop the meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  5. Add the chopped turnip greens to the pot with the smoking broth. Stir in the brown sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more vinegar if needed. Return the shredded turkey meat to the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Wash greens thoroughly to remove all grit. Do not rush the simmering of the turkey necks to ensure maximum flavor. If the greens look too dry after simmering, add a splash of reserved cooking liquid. The dish tastes better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southern turnip greens, smoked turkey necks, comfort food, slow cooker greens, healthy side dish, gluten-free recipe

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/tender-southern-turnip-greens-easy-smoked-turkey-necks-recipe/