Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (2024)

This is the best Southern Turnip Greens Recipe that will show you how to wash and cook turnip greens with smoked turkey, bacon, or ham hocks. This soul food dish is well seasoned with fresh spices to ensure no bitter greens!

Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (1)

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How Do Turnip Greens Taste

Turnip greens are the greens that grow from turnips. The greens are bitter with a slightly peppery taste. The longer the greens are left to harvest, the more bitter they will become. See notes below for how to prepare delicious greens that aren’t bitter.

Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (2)

How to Wash The Greens

If you are buying from the normal produce area, greens are sold in bundles. Look for bundles with really thick, leafy greens. If you wait and shop at the last minute this may be difficult to find and you get stuck with smaller bundles. You may just have to buy more.

Greens have thick stems and veins on the back of the leaves. These areas capture dirt and sand. You will need to clean them thoroughly.

  1. Start removing the stem. Fold the leaf in half (lengthwise) and rip off the stem.
  2. Fill a large bowl or your sink with water.
  3. I like to use thisproduce vegetable cleanerto spritz the greens. You can also use vinegar. Or you can just use water it’s your choice.
  4. From there load them into your bowl or sink.
  5. Use your hands and swish them around. Rub your hands over the actual leaves to scrub away any dirt.
  6. Drain the water and refill. Repeat this process until your water runs clear and you see no dirt in the water.
Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (3)

How to Remove the Stem from the Greens

It is common Southern practice to remove the stems from the greens. This is optional. Removing the stems from every item and washing them over and over to remove dirt is very time-consuming. If you plan to buy bundled greens, be sure to block off half a day.

Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (4)

How to Double the Greens Recipe

Greens will wilt a lot. When you first add them to the pot it will feel like a lot, but they will shrink down a lot. You can easily double the recipe (I would opt for the same size smoked turkey, or no more than a half-pound larger), but keep the cooking time the same.

Seasoning and Flavor/How to Remove Bitterness

You can really keep it simple with the seasoning. I like to use fresh onions and garlic,Creole Seasoning,and smoked paprika, but you can use other spices if you wish. Liquid smoke is also a great option. Sugar or sweetener will help with the bitterness you typically find with turnip greens.

Well-seasoned meat is found in most recipes for greens. I use a smoked turkey leg or wings. I find these in the standard meat section of my grocery store. You may have to ask your local butcher if they carry them.

You can also use ham hocks, bacon, or salt pork if you wish.

Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (5)

How to Make Southern Turnip Greens

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the pot along with onions and garlic.
  2. Saute onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
  3. Deglaze the pan by adding chicken broth.
  4. Begin to layer in the greens and add them in batches.
  5. Add in Creole Seasoning, smoked paprika, sugar, and turkey. Bring the pot to a boil.
  6. Place the lid on the pot and adjust the heat to medium-low.
Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (6)
Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (7)

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

Cook time is around two hours for tender greens. If you are really strapped for time you can use myInstant Pot Collard Greensrecipe method. Ultimately, your total cook time will vary based on how you like your greens.

If you like them super tender you may cook them for 3 hours or more. If you like more of a bite, lessen the cooking time. Check and watch your greens to be sure you reach your desired result.

Turnip Greens Nutrition

Turnip greens are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, along with kale and broccoli. They are high in nutrients and low in calories. The greens are a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

Can You Make Them Ahead/How Long Will They Last in the Fridge

For holiday cooking you typically make these a day in advance. The greens will last in the fridge covered for 3-4 days.

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Freezing Tips

I love to freeze greens to have on hand. I use thesefreezer molds from Amazonand they work perfectly. You can freeze greens for up to 6 months. I throw them in the slow cooker for an hour or two to reheat.

Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (9)

Vegetarian or Vegan Greens

Omit the smoked turkey formeatless greens. Use vegetable broth.

Pair With These Cornbread Recipes

Homemade Southern Cornbread
Cornbread MuffinsJalapeno Cheddar CornbreadHoney Cornbread
Pumpkin Cornbread
Cornbread Casserole
Sweet Potato Cornbread

Pair With These Side Dishes

Southern Candied Sweet PotatoesCornbread Dressing with ChickenSouthern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese

More Greens Recipes

Southern Collard Greens with Smoked TurkeySouthern Mustard GreensCollard Greens with Ham Hocks
Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens

Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (10)

Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (11)

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4 from 1 vote

Southern Turnip Greens Recipe

This is the best Southern Turnip Greens Recipe that will show you how to wash and cook turnip greens with smoked turkey, bacon, or ham hocks. This soul food dish is well seasoned with fresh spices to ensure no bitter greens!

Save this recipe here.

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine soul food, Southern

Keyword Southern turnip greens, turnip greens, turnip greens recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings 8 cups

Calories 140kcal

Author Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped white onions
  • 3 garlic cloves Minced
  • 3 pounds fresh turnip greens This is usually 3-4 bundles. Weigh for accuracy. Weight includes the stems.
  • 1 smoked turkey leg or wing See notes
  • 1 1/2-2 cups chicken broth You can also use water.
  • 1/2 tablespoon Creole Seasoning Adjust to taste.
  • 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
  • 1-2 tablespoons sweetener or sugar Adjust to taste. I used 2 tablespoons.

Instructions

  • Place the smoked turkey in a pot large enough to fit along with water. Add enough water to cover the turkey. Bring the water to a boil. Cook the turkey for 45 minutes to an hour until it becomes tender. You may have to keep a close watch and add additional water as the water evaporates.

  • While the smoked turkey cooks/softens, wash your greens. Fill a large bowl or your sink with water. Use your hands and scrub the veins of the leaves to remove any dirt or sand. Wash the greens thoroughly until the water runs clear.

  • Remove the stems from the greens and slice the greens into smaller pieces.

  • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the pot along with the onions and garlic. I like to use a Dutch oven because you can saute the vegetables and cook the greens all in one pot.

  • Saute the onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.

  • Deglaze the pan by adding the chicken broth.

  • Begin to layer in the greens and add them in batches. Greens will need to wilt down a lot in order to fit in the pot. Add in the greens and then stir and allow them to cook down.

  • Add in the Creole Seasoning, smoked paprika, sugar, and smoked turkey. Bring the pot to a boil.

  • Place the lid on the pot and adjust the heat to medium-low. Allow the greens to cook for 2 hours or until the greens are soft and the smoked turkey is tender (fall off the bone tender). Check in throughout the cooking process and stir the greens when necessary.

  • Open the pot and remove the turkey. Shred the meat from the turkey using forks and return it to the pot. Taste the greens repeatedly and add seasoning, sugar, and spices if necessary.

  • Serve.

Notes

  • Sugar or sweetener is added to take away some of the bite from the flavor of the turnip greens. This is optional and you can wait to taste the greens after they have cooked. Decide if they need any sugar and add it to taste.
  • Start with 1/2 tablespoon of Creole seasoning and adjust to taste. You can substitute Creole seasoning for whatever spices you like.
  • It’s also common to serve greens with vinegar. Feel free to add it if you wish.
  • I like for my greens to be tender. If you like them super tender you may cook them for 3 hours or more. If you like more of a bite lessen the cooking time. Check in on them to be sure you reach your desired result.
  • Greens will wilt… A TON! When you first add them to the pot it will feel like a lot, but they will shrink a lot. So you can double the recipe (I would opt for the same size smoked ham hock, or no more than a half-pound larger), but keep the cooking time the same.
  • Ham hocks, bacon, or country ham, etc can be substituted for smoked turkey in this recipe.

Recipe Tools Used in this RecipeAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 4g

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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Southern Turnip Greens Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What takes the bitterness out of turnip greens? ›

Add baking soda.

Salt is one of my favorite ways to cut the bitterness in turnip greens. I then add about 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the broth and simmer for the last 20 minutes.

What is the best way to eat turnip greens? ›

Cooked turnip greens can be served on their own as a side dish or be folded into omelets, sandwiches or casseroles. The leaves can also be added to soups and stews.

Why add baking soda to turnip greens? ›

Wash greens and roots well. Some suggest soaking the greens in a little salty water. One turnip website from the United Kingdom notes that if you boil them, add a little sugar to tame the scent and add baking soda to reduce bitterness.

Do you soak turnip greens before cooking? ›

Preparing the Turnip Greens

You could also clean the greens by allowing them to soak in a clean bowl or sink of cold water for several minutes to loosen the dirt. Quickly rinse with running water before draining.

What makes turnips taste better? ›

How do you get the bitterness out of turnips? Smaller turnips tend to be sweeter and less bitter, so start by selecting fresh, small, tender turnips and peeling them. Adding a little sugar to your turnips after cooking can also help to counteract any bitterness.

Does vinegar take the bitterness out of greens? ›

Acids, like vinegar and citrus juice, help to brighten up bitter greens and provide a light contrasting flavor.

Are turnip greens a laxative? ›

Digestion. Turnip greens are high in both fiber and water content, which help to prevent constipation, promote regularity and maintain a healthy digestive tract.

What does turnip greens do to the body? ›

Boosts immunity: Antioxidants in turnip greens help eliminate free radicals and protect the cells from oxidative damage, improving the health of immune cells. Dietary fiber in turnip greens can also reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity.

What meat goes with turnip greens? ›

The southern way to eat turnip greens is to cook them with bacon, ham or country ham; you can also use ham hocks or hog jowls. Cook them low and slow with a braising liquid.

What is not to be used with green vegetables when cooking? ›

Cream of tartar and baking soda are the components that make baking powder. Other acids used in cooking include vinegar and lemon juice, but these foods can greatly impact taste. Cooking green vegetables in an acid can cause the color to become dull green and the texture to become mushy.

Why do you soak greens in baking soda? ›

The US Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture and other scientists agree: use a cold water soak with baking soda to effectively help remove dirt, chemical residue, and other unwanted materials from your fresh vegetables and fruits.

Do you leave stems on turnip greens? ›

How to prep turnip greens. Wash greens just before using them in a large bowl of lukewarm water in order to dislodge sand and dirt. Then cut off or strip out and discard the stems. Remove the stems by folding the leaves in half and ripping out the stems.

Can you leave greens in water overnight? ›

You also could submerge whole leaves in a bowl of cool water. I put a plastic bag around the top and put it in the fridge for a few hours, maybe overnight. They look much more lively after this treatment. For salad greens, a cool water bath will bring them back to life after 10-20 minutes.

How do you fix bitter turnips? ›

If you want to try a different cooking method, I tend to like turnip boiled and mashed. If the turnip is old (and likely bitter) you can add an apple. I've also read that you can stir in baking soda after the turnips have boiled to remove the bitterness. You would then need to rinse thoroughly.

How do you counteract bitterness? ›

Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. Saltiness: Salt plays two very important roles in flavouring a dish. Firstly, it balances against bitterness.

Can you put baking soda in turnip greens? ›

That's how to tell if the greens are clean and won't taste gritty when cooked. Add baking soda. Adding a pinch to the water once you begin the cooking process helps to keep the color of the greens more vibrant.

How much baking soda to add to turnip greens? ›

Seasonings help reduce the greens' bitter taste. Some enjoy the bitterness but feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your palate. About a half teaspoon of baking soda added to the broth 20 minutes before the cooking time also helps.

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