Crockpot Collard Greens

Collard Greens Recipe with Turkey Wing, Green Peppers, and More - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 9 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Crockpot collard greens are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

History

Collard greens have been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries. Originally brought to the United States by African slaves, collard greens have become a beloved dish in the South and beyond. Slow cooking collard greens in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

1 smoked turkey wing (about 1.25 lb (567 g))
2 cans of seasoned chicken broth (14 oz (397 g) each)
2 packages of chopped fresh collard greens (1 lb (454 g) each)
5 green onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
0.75 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
pepper sauce

How to prepare

Remove the skin and meat from the turkey wing, discarding the skin and bone.
Coarsely chop the meat.
Combine the chopped turkey and the next 6 ingredients in a 6 qt (5.68 liter) slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 9 hours or until the greens are tender.
Serve with pepper sauce.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bacon for extra flavor.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the skin and bone from the smoked turkey wing before chopping the meat. This will ensure that the dish is free from any unwanted bits.

- Cooking the collard greens on low for 9 hours allows the flavors to develop and the greens to become tender. Be patient and let the slow cooker do its magic.

- Serve the collard greens with pepper sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot collard greens can be served as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or pork chops. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a hearty and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the collard greens in a crockpot allows the flavors to develop and creates a tender and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have a smoked turkey wing, you can use smoked turkey legs or ham hocks instead.

Make Ahead Tips

Crockpot collard greens can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the collard greens in a large serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Crockpot collard greens pair well with cornbread, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover collard greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of crockpot collard greens contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of crockpot collard greens contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of crockpot collard greens contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of crockpot collard greens contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Collard greens are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains poultry (turkey) and may not be suitable for those with poultry allergies.

Summary

Crockpot collard greens are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. This dish is a great option for those looking to incorporate more greens into their diet.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a simple recipe for Crockpot Collard Greens that I stumbled upon while browsing through an old cookbook at a flea market. The combination of fresh collard greens, smoked ham hock, and a handful of seasonings sounded like the perfect comfort food for a cozy family dinner.

I had always been fascinated by the idea of slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld and develop over time. So, I decided to give this recipe a try and see if it lived up to my expectations.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed – a bunch of fresh collard greens, a smoked ham hock, some chicken broth, diced onions, garlic, and a few spices. As I prepped the ingredients and added them to the crockpot, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. This was going to be something special.

I set the crockpot on low and let it do its magic. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the collard greens simmered slowly was simply irresistible. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

Hours passed, and the collard greens in the crockpot had transformed into a rich and flavorful dish. The greens were tender and infused with the smoky flavor of the ham hock. The broth had thickened slightly, creating a delicious sauce that coated each leaf.

I ladled the collard greens into a serving bowl and called my family to the dinner table. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. The flavors were even better than I had imagined – savory, slightly sweet, and with a hint of spiciness from the seasonings.

As we sat around the table, enjoying our meal, I couldn't help but think back to how I had discovered this recipe. It was a reminder of all the wonderful culinary adventures I had embarked on over the years, learning from different people and places.

I remembered my grandmother, who had taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and taking the time to cook with care and love. She had passed down her own recipes to me, and I had added my own twist to them over the years.

I thought about the time I had spent in the kitchen with my mother, watching her effortlessly whip up delicious meals for our family. She had instilled in me a passion for cooking and a desire to always try new recipes and techniques.

And then there were the countless cookbooks and magazines I had collected over the years, each one filled with inspiration and new ideas to try in my own kitchen.

As I savored each bite of the Crockpot Collard Greens, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for all the culinary influences that had shaped me into the cook I was today. This simple recipe had brought back a flood of memories and reminded me of the joy that cooking and sharing good food can bring.

I knew that I would continue to experiment with new recipes and flavors, always seeking to expand my culinary repertoire and create delicious meals for my loved ones. And with each dish I made, I would carry with me the lessons and traditions that had been passed down to me, honoring the legacy of those who had come before me.

But for now, I was content to sit at the table with my family, enjoying a simple yet satisfying meal of Crockpot Collard Greens, surrounded by love and laughter. And as I looked around at their happy faces, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.