Southern Turnips and Greens

Dive into Southern comfort with this hearty and flavor-packed recipe for Southern Turnips and Greens. This classic dish combines tender turnip greens and earthy diced turnips with the smoky depth of a slow-simmered ham hock, all brought together in a richly seasoned chicken broth. A touch of apple cider vinegar balances the flavors with just the right amount of tang, while red pepper flakes add a gentle kick. Perfectly slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is a soul-warming side or a stand-alone star when paired with cornbread. With a beautifully rustic presentation and its roots in Southern culinary tradition, this recipe delivers wholesome, savory flavors in every bite. Whether you're recreating a family favorite or exploring Southern cuisine for the first time, this is a must-try dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh turnip greens
• 4 medium turnips
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the turnip greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim any tough stems, then roughly chop the greens and set aside.

Step 2

Peel and dice the turnips into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.

Step 3

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Add the smoked ham hock to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the broth with the smoky flavor.

Step 6

Stir in the diced turnips, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the turnips begin to soften.

Step 7

Add the chopped turnip greens to the pot, a handful at a time, stirring to wilt the greens down as you go. Cover and let cook on low for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Stir in the butter and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve hot with cornbread or as a side to your favorite Southern entree. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3187.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1174.3

Total Fat 56.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 135.8mg	0%
Sodium 7451.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 122.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.2g	0%
Total Sugars 37.3g
Protein 59.4g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 2062.0mg	0%
Iron 17.9mg	0%
Potassium 5487.8mg	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: 41.3%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 39.5%