Experience the soulful delight of Gumbo Style Collard Greens. Our step-by-step recipe reveals the secret to crafting the perfect pot liquor and achieving tender greens. Delight in the comforting flavors of the South with our expert tips.
Southern cooking speaks to the soul, and today, we’re bringing you a classic Southern dish that embodies everything comforting and delicious. Welcome to the world of Gumbo Style Collard Greens, where humble ingredients are transformed into a symphony of flavors. This secret recipe has been enjoyed for generations and is your ticket to a true taste of Southern tradition and comfort.
Gumbo Style Collard Greens are a sensory journey through the heart of the South. Each bite is a delightful balance of earthy greens, zesty sausage, and the hearty smokiness of turkey. The roux, with its deep richness, serves as the glue that binds everything together. This dish transcends the concept of comfort food; it’s an embrace, a culinary warmth that makes all worries melt away.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds assorted greens (e.g., kale, collards, mustard greens, turnip greens), rolled and chopped
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Large Onions, chopped
- 1 Green Bell Pepper
- 3 Celery Stalks, chopped
- 4 Garlic Cloves
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 tbsp Creole Kick seasoning
- 1 Smoked Turkey Leg, Wing, or Neck (Ham hocks work too)
- 10 cups Chicken Stock or Water
- 2-3 Andouille Sausage (I used Chicken Andouille Sausage)
- 1-2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp Celery Seed
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 2 tbsp Sweet Paprika
- Salt to taste
- Rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Smoked Turkey
Begin by simmering your smoked turkey leg in chicken stock or water to infuse it with smoky essence.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
Roughly chop the celery, green bell pepper, and garlic.
Step 3: Craft the Roux
Create a roux by combining vegetable oil and flour in a pot. Slowly darken the roux to a deep brown color while maintaining a constant stir.
Step 4: Incorporate the Vegetables
Add chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the roux. Let the vegetables soften.
Step 5: Season Your Gumbo
Season the mixture with Creole Kick seasoning, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), celery seed, dried oregano, sweet paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir to incorporate all the flavors.
Step 6: Add the Andouille Sausage
Cut your Andouille Sausage into small pieces and add it to the pot. This savory sausage will bring depth to your collard greens.
Step 7: Combine the Pot Liquor
Once the smoked turkey has simmered for a while and infused the liquid with flavor, pour it into the pot with your roux, veggies, and sausage. This step creates a rich and flavorful base for your collard greens.
Step 8: Prepare the Greens
Begin adding the chopped greens to the pot. Roll and cut them to your desired size and drop them into the liquid. This allows them to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Step 9: Simmer and Stir
With all the ingredients in the pot, cover it and let the mixture simmer for at least an hour. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure the greens are evenly cooked.
Step 10: Check and Adjust
After an hour, check the texture of your greens. If they’re tender and flavorful, you’re ready to serve. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or Creole Kick if needed.
Step 11: Serve with Rice
Dish up your Gumbo Style Collard Greens over a bed of rice. You’ve now created a Southern classic packed with flavor and soul-warming goodness. Enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- Use fresh collard greens for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the roux; a deep brown color is key.
- Customize the spice level with cayenne pepper.
- Slow-cooking is the secret to tender greens.
- Serve with fluffy rice for a complete Southern meal.
Variations:
- Experiment with different greens like kale or mustard greens.
- Swap the Andouille Sausage for your favorite smoked sausage.
- Try ham hocks instead of smoked turkey for a distinct flavor.
What to Serve With:
Gumbo Style Collard Greens are a delightful side dish. They pair perfectly with classic Southern mains like fried chicken, cornbread, or pulled pork. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete meal.
Storage Tips:
Keep leftover collard greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop for the best flavor.
Recipe Card
Gumbo Style Collard Greens
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by adding the smoked turkey leg (or any smoked turkey part of your choice) to a pot and pour in your chicken stock or water. We want to soften it up a bit, so bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer. This will allow the turkey to infuse its rich flavors into the liquid.
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While the turkey is simmering, prepare your vegetables. Chop your celery, green bell pepper, and garlic. You don’t need fine dicing, a rough chop will do.
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In a separate pot or Dutch oven, combine the vegetable oil and flour. Start with medium heat and stir constantly to create a roux. Gradually darken the roux to a deep brown color while continuing to stir. Be patient and avoid burning.
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Once the roux reaches the desired color, introduce your chopped onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Stir them in and let them cook until they soften in the roux.
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Season the mixture with Creole Kick seasoning, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), celery seed, dried oregano, sweet paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir to incorporate all the flavors.
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Cut your Andouille Sausage into small pieces and add it to the pot. This savory sausage will bring depth to your collard greens.
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Once the smoked turkey has simmered for a while and infused the liquid with flavor, pour it into the pot with your roux, veggies, and sausage. This step creates a rich and flavorful base for your collard greens.
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Begin adding the chopped greens to the pot. Roll and cut them to your desired size and drop them into the liquid. This allows them to soak up all the delicious flavors.
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With all the ingredients in the pot, cover it and let the mixture simmer for at least an hour. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure the greens are evenly cooked.
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After an hour, check the texture of your greens. If they’re tender and flavorful, you’re ready to serve. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or Creole Kick if needed.
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Dish up your Gumbo Style Collard Greens over a bed of rice. You’ve now created a Southern classic packed with flavor and soul-warming goodness. Enjoy!
Equipment
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