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Slow Cooker Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

A close-up of tender, slow-cooked collard greens served in a white bowl topped with shredded smoked meat.
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Make tender, smoky Southern collard greens easily using your slow cooker. This recipe delivers authentic comfort food flavor without constant stovetop attention.

Ingredients

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  • 2 pounds fresh collard greens, tough stems removed and chopped
  • 1 pound smoked turkey legs or 2 smoked turkey wings (or 1 ham hock)
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the chopped collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Place the greens into the basin of your slow cooker.
  2. Add the smoked turkey pieces, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
  3. Stir all ingredients gently to combine. The liquid should mostly cover the greens.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the greens are very tender.
  5. Remove the turkey pieces from the slow cooker. Shred the meat off the bone using two forks, discarding the skin and bones. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
  6. Taste the cooking liquid (pot liquor) and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve the slow cooker collard greens hot with some of the flavorful liquid spooned over them.

Notes

  • For an extra rich flavor, you can substitute the smoked turkey with 1/2 pound of bacon, cooked until crisp before adding it to the slow cooker along with 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat.
  • If you prefer a less smoky flavor, use less smoked turkey or omit the smoked paprika.
  • To thicken the pot liquor slightly, remove about 1 cup of the liquid, mix it with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and stir it back into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chefsily.com/slow-cooker-southern-collard-greens-recipe/