Name: Gullah Collard Greens Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Gullah Geechee
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh collard greens, washed and chopped; 1 smoked turkey leg or ham hock; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp bacon fat or olive oil

Slow-cooked collard greens with smoked turkey and a hint of heat. This Gullah collard greens recipe is the soul food side dish that defines Lowcountry cooking.

Ingredients

2 lbs fresh collard greens, washed and chopped
1 smoked turkey leg or ham hock
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp bacon fat or olive oil

Instructions

Heat bacon fat in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the smoked turkey leg on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add collard greens in batches, stirring until wilted before adding more.
Pour in chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1 to 1.5 hours until greens are tender.
Remove turkey leg. Pick meat from bone and return to pot. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve with hot sauce and cornbread. The pot liquor (broth) is prized for sopping with bread.

💡 Pro Tip: The longer collard greens cook, the better they taste. Make a big batch — they reheat beautifully. Serve with black-eyed peas for good luck.