Transform your leftover turkey into a soul-warming Southern delight with our Leftover Turkey Southern Collard Greens recipe! This dish is not only a fantastic way to repurpose your holiday turkey, but it also brings a burst of flavor and nutrition to your table. Imagine tender collard greens simmered to perfection, infused with savory turkey and aromatic garlic—it's comfort food at its finest! Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive in and discover how to create this deliciously hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch collard greens
- 1 cup leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the collard greens under cold running water, removing any dirt or debris. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Remove the tough central stem from each collard green leaf by folding the leaf in half and slicing along the stem. Chop the leafy portions into roughly 1-inch wide strips.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, which will help steam and soften the greens. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded leftover turkey to the pot, distributing evenly throughout the greens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer the greens for approximately 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the collards are tender and have reached a soft, silky texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the greens seem dry, add a little more chicken broth.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, wash and chop the collard greens a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Broth Variations: For an extra depth of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the broth for a tangy twist.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer your collard greens with a bit more bite, reduce the simmering time to around 20 minutes. This will keep them slightly firmer.
- Add Heat: For those who enjoy a little spice, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning your greens.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your collard greens with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
