Southern Turnip Greens

Savor the comforting flavors of the South with this classic recipe for Southern Turnip Greens. Tender turnip greens are slow-simmered in a savory broth infused with smoky ham hock, aromatic garlic, and onion, creating a dish that's as soulful as it is satisfying. A splash of apple cider vinegar and a touch of sugar balance the flavors, while a hint of crushed red pepper adds just the right amount of heat. Cooked low and slow to perfection, these greens are packed with deep, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or your favorite Southern comfort foods. Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever you're craving a taste of down-home cooking, this recipe is a hearty, nutrient-packed tribute to traditional Southern cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pounds turnip greens
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons bacon grease or vegetable oil
• 1 dash optional hot sauce

Directions

Step 1

Wash the turnip greens thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt and grit. Trim any tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the bacon grease or vegetable oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the smoked ham hock to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Stir in the cleaned turnip greens, a handful at a time, allowing them to wilt slightly before adding more.

Step 7

Once all the greens are in the pot, add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the greens simmer on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Cook until the greens are tender and the ham hock has flavored the broth.

Step 9

Taste the greens and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or a dash of hot sauce, if desired.

Step 10

When ready to serve, remove the ham hock from the pot, shred any meat, and stir it back into the greens.

Step 11

Serve warm with a side of cornbread or your favorite southern dishes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2138.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	781.7

Total Fat 44.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 94mg	0%
Sodium 4463.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 60.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.2g	0%
Total Sugars 15.5g
Protein 43.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1376.3mg	0%
Iron 11.8mg	0%
Potassium 3141.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.8%

Protein: 21.4%

Carbs: 29.8%