This Southern-style collard greens recipe features tender collard greens cooked with flavorful smoked meat and aromatic spices. The dish is hearty and rich in taste, making it a perfect comfort food choice. With the right balance of seasonings and optional spices, these collard greens are a delightful and satisfying side dish for any Southern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- Several Bundles of Collard Greens
- 1 fully cooked smoked meat of your choice (two small Smoked Turkey Legs, for example)
- 3 Garlic Cloves, chopped
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- 1/2 large Onion
- 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt, Pepper, Vinegar, Hot Sauce (optional)
The Cooking Process
Prepping the Collard Greens
To start, you’ll need to clean your collard greens thoroughly. Rinse them to remove any impurities and soak them in cold water with a pinch of salt and vinegar. Once they’re clean, stack the leaves and remove the tough center vein from each one. Roll the leaves up like cigars and cut them into bite-sized pieces.



Sautéing Aromatics
In a large pot, heat some olive oil or bacon fat. Add diced onions and cook until they soften. Then, toss in the chopped garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant.

Creating the Flavor Base
Pour in the chicken broth and add the smoked meat of your choice, such as Smoked Turkey Legs. If you like a little kick, incorporate the Crushed Red Pepper Flakes.
Simmer and Let the Magic Happen

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 45-60 minutes until the collard greens are tender. Adjust the texture to your liking; some prefer a bit of firmness.

Season to Perfection
Season the collard greens with salt and pepper according to your taste. If you want a tangy or spicy kick, you can also add vinegar and hot sauce.
Serve and Savor
Pair your Southern style collard greens recipe with your favorite sides. They complement cornbread perfectly. With their rich, flavorful taste and tender texture, these greens are sure to impress.

The Experience
Southern-style collard greens recipe is like experiencing a taste of the South. With this simple recipe inspired by AB, you can bring the flavors of the South to your own kitchen. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish or a main course, these collard greens will transport your taste buds to a world of soulful Southern comfort. Give this recipe a try and let the savory journey begin! Don’t forget to subscribe and like the video if you found this recipe helpful. Thanks for watching!
Recipe Card

Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Legs Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
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Instructions
Start by thoroughly rinsing the collard greens to remove any impurities. Soak them in cold water with a pinch of salt and vinegar. Once cleaned, stack the leaves.
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Remove the tough center vein from each collard green leaf. Roll them up like a cigar and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
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In a large pot, heat some olive oil or bacon fat. Add the diced onions and cook until they soften. Then, add the chopped garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and add the smoked meat, such as Smoked Turkey Legs. If you prefer a spicier dish, include the Crushed Red Pepper Flakes.
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Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 45-60 minutes until the collard greens are tender. Adjust the texture to your liking – some prefer them with a bit of firmness.
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Season the collard greens with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add vinegar and hot sauce for extra flavor if desired.
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Serve your Southern collard greens with your favorite sides. They pair wonderfully with cornbread
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