Collard Greens Recipe – A Southern Soul Food Classic

Collard GreensCollard Greens Recipe with Smoked Turkey

If you're looking for a collard greens recipe that delivers bold, savory flavor and deep cultural roots, welcome home. This dish is more than just a side — it’s a symbol of comfort, tradition, and Southern hospitality. For generations, collard greens have been the centerpiece of soul food tables, bringing families together over slow-simmered goodness and the scent of something familiar filling the kitchen.

Whether you’re honoring a Sunday dinner tradition or trying greens for the first time, this recipe guides you through every step with heart and heritage.

Why Collard Greens Matter

Collard greens aren’t just delicious — they’re symbolic. For many African American families, collard greens carry cultural significance, especially during holidays like New Year’s Day, when they’re served to represent prosperity. Slow-cooked with smoked meat, they turn into a rich, comforting dish that speaks to the resilience and creativity of a community that made something extraordinary from simple, accessible ingredients.

Our collard greens recipe honors that tradition while making it approachable for every home cook, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Ingredients for the Best Collard Greens Recipe

You’ll need just a few ingredients to unlock that unmistakable soul food flavor:

  • 2-3 bunches of fresh collard greens
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Smoked turkey necks or wings (you can substitute with ham hocks or salt pork)
  • Equal parts water and chicken broth (about 4 cups total)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Clean and Prep Collard Greens

  • Cleaning your greens properly is crucial for both flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
  • Rinse the greens under cold water several times to remove grit and dirt.
  • Strip the thick stems from the leaves by hand or with a knife.
  • Stack the leaves, roll them like a cigar, and slice into 1-inch ribbons.
  • Some cooks like to soak greens in saltwater or vinegar water for extra grit removal. Just make sure you rinse thoroughly before cooking.

    • Step-by-Step: How to Cook Collard Greens

    1. Cook the smoked meat: In a stockpot, simmer the smoked turkey in water or broth until tender — about 30 minutes. This flavors your broth and infuses your greens with smoky goodness.
    2. Add aromatics: Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté briefly in olive oil.
    3. Add the greens: Toss in the cleaned, chopped greens a handful at a time, stirring until they wilt slightly and fit in the pot.
    4. Pour in liquids: Add the rest of the water and broth until greens are covered.
    5. Simmer low and slow: Cover the pot and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
    6. Serve hot: Greens are ready when they’re tender, not mushy, and the flavors have fully come together.

    This recipe provided courtesy of https://www.soulfoodandsoutherncooking.com/

    What to Serve with Collard Greens

    These greens pair perfectly with other soul food staples for a balanced, delicious meal:

    Tips for Flavorful, Tender Collard GreensTips for the Best Collard Greens

  • Go low and slow: Rushing the cooking process won’t allow the flavors to develop. Simmer patiently.
  • Taste as you go: Season throughout the cooking process for balance and depth.
  • Pot liquor is gold: Don’t drain your greens — serve them with some of that flavorful broth for the full experience.

    • A Dish That Brings People Together

    This collard greens recipe is more than a list of ingredients — it’s a connection to generations past, a celebration of family, and a way to nourish your body and soul. Whether you're making it for a celebration or a weeknight dinner, it's a dish that carries the love and resilience of those who came before us.

    For more authentic recipes, explore our full soul food dinner recipes collection.

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