Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
🧂 Ingredients
For the Broth & Turkey
- 2–3 smoked turkey necks
- 8 cups water (or enough to cover the turkey necks)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Greens
- 2–3 lbs fresh collard greens (or a mix of collards, turnip, and mustard greens)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, balances bitterness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Additional broth or water, if needed
🍽️ Directions
1. Clean & Prep the Greens
- Remove thick stems from the greens.
- Stack, roll, and slice them into ribbons.
- Wash thoroughly 3–4 times until the water runs clear. Set aside.
2. Make the Turkey Broth
- In a large pot, add smoked turkey necks and 8 cups of water.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, bouillon, black pepper, seasoned salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, until the turkey is tender and starting to fall off the bone.
3. Add the Greens
- Add cleaned greens to the pot a handful at a time, allowing them to wilt down.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add more water or broth if needed so greens stay juicy and well-seasoned.
4. Shred the Turkey
- Remove turkey necks from the pot.
- Pull the meat off the bones and return the meat to the greens.
- Stir well and taste the pot liquor (the broth).
- Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar as desired.
5. Serve
- Serve hot with cornbread, rice, or your favorite soul food sides.
- Enjoy the rich, smoky pot liquor and tender greens!