Southern Turnip Greens
Learn how to cook Southern turnip greens in this easy step-by-step tutorial. Greens are slowly simmered with salt pork, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper for a tender, tasty soul food side dish.
Servings 4 people
Calories 120kcal
Ingredients
- 4 large bunches of turnip or collard greens washed
- 12 ounces salt pork
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Remove the center stems from the greens. Discard the stems and coarsely chop the leaves.
- Heat the salt pork in a large stock pot over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes to render off some of the grease, but so not drain the grease.
- Add the water to the pot. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper to the pot. Bring the pot to a boil again.
- Add the greens. You may need to work in batches, allowing the greens to wilt down to make room for more.
- Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot again, then cook for 1 -2 hours. The longer the greens cook, the more tender they will become.
- Season the greens with salt and pepper if needed.
Video
Notes
- Don’t skip washing the greens: Turnip greens often hold grit and sand—wash thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Simmer low and slow: The longer the greens cook, the more tender and flavorful they become.
- Keep some potlikker: The cooking liquid is packed with flavor; serve a little over the greens or with cornbread.
- Adjust the vinegar to taste: Start with the full amount, then add more or less depending on how tangy you like your greens.
- Salt pork substitutions: Bacon, ham hock, smoked turkey, or fatback all work well.
- Want more flavor? Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer base.
- Prefer heat? Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, jalapeños, or Cajun seasoning.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 620mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 540IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 1.8mg
