Collard greens with turkey neck is a classic Southern dish that is not only delicious but also packed with flavor. The combination of tender collard greens and flavorful turkey neck creates a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will leave you with a dish that your family and friends will love.

Collard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that belong to the same family as kale and cabbage. They are known for their slightly bitter taste and are often used in Southern cooking. Collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

Turkey neck is a flavorful part of the turkey that is often overlooked. It is rich in collagen and connective tissues, which add depth of flavor to dishes. When cooked low and slow, turkey neck becomes tender and succulent, making it the perfect addition to collard greens.

This recipe for collard greens with turkey neck is a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet while enjoying a delicious and soulful meal. The process involves simmering the turkey neck in a flavorful broth until it is tender, and then adding the collard greens to the pot to cook until they are wilted and tender. The result is a dish that is full of flavor, with the collard greens absorbing the rich broth and the turkey neck adding a meaty and smoky taste.

So, if you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to add to your repertoire, look no further than collard greens with turkey neck. Give this recipe a try and you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create a truly memorable meal.

Preparing the ingredients

Before getting started cooking collard greens with turkey neck, you will need to gather and prepare the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound of collard greens
  • 1 and 1/2 pounds of turkey necks
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Make sure to wash the collard greens thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Chop the greens into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. You are now ready to start cooking the collard greens with turkey neck!

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Cooking the turkey neck

Before incorporating the turkey neck into your collard greens recipe, it needs to be properly cooked to ensure its tenderness and flavor. Follow these steps to cook the turkey neck:

Ingredients:

– Turkey neck: 1 or 2 pieces, depending on the size

– Water: enough to cover the turkey neck

– Salt: to taste

Instructions:

  1. Thoroughly rinse the turkey neck under cold water.
  2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat.
  3. Add the turkey neck to the boiling water and reduce the heat to low.
  4. Season with salt to taste.
  5. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the turkey neck becomes tender.
  6. Turn off the heat and let it cool before removing the turkey neck from the pot.
  7. Once cooled, the turkey neck is ready to be added to your collard greens recipe.

Note: You can also add additional seasonings such as black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder while cooking the turkey neck to enhance its flavor. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Preparing the collard greens

Collard greens are a delicious and nutritious leafy vegetable that pairs well with turkey neck. Follow these steps to prepare collard greens for your recipe:

1. Wash the collard greens

Start by washing the collard greens under cold running water. Remove any dirt or debris by gently rubbing the leaves with your hands. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

2. Remove the stems

Collard greens have thick stems that can be tough to eat. To remove the stems, hold the leaf in one hand and use your other hand to fold the leaf in half lengthwise. Cut along the folded edge to remove the stem. Repeat this process for all the collard greens.

3. Chop the collard greens

Once the stems are removed, stack several collard green leaves on top of each other and roll them up tightly, like a cigar. Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled leaves into thin strips, creating a chiffonade. Repeat this process for the remaining collard greens.

4. Blanch the collard greens

Blanching the collard greens will help to soften them and remove any bitterness. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the collard greens and cook them for 2-3 minutes, or until they become bright green and tender. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the collard greens to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the greens and squeeze out any excess water.

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Now that your collard greens are prepared, you can proceed with the recipe to cook them with turkey neck. Enjoy!

Combining the ingredients

Once the turkey neck is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. Next, carefully remove the meat from the bones, discarding any fat or gristle. Shred the meat into small, bite-sized pieces and set aside.

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This should take about 5 minutes.

Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and golden.

Adding the collard greens

Once the onions and garlic are cooked, add the collard greens to the pot. Stir well to coat the greens in the butter, onion, and garlic mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the collard greens to wilt slightly.

Note: If using large collard green leaves, you may need to tear them into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Adding the turkey neck meat

Add the shredded turkey neck meat to the pot with the collard greens. Stir well to evenly distribute the meat throughout the dish.

Optional: At this point, if you prefer a spicier dish, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.

Cook the collard greens and turkey neck mixture over medium heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the greens are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the collard greens are tender, taste the dish and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Your collard greens with turkey neck are now ready to be served and enjoyed. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice for a delicious and hearty meal.

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Serving and garnishing

Once the collard greens are cooked to your desired tenderness, it’s time to serve and garnish them. Here are some serving and garnishing ideas:

1. Transfer the cooked collard greens to a serving dish using a slotted spoon or tongs to drain off excess liquid.

2. Arrange the turkey neck and any additional meats on top of the collard greens for a visually appealing presentation.

3. Serve the collard greens hot as a side dish or as a main course with cornbread, rice, or mashed potatoes.

4. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped cilantro, parsley, or green onions for added flavor and freshness.

5. Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce over the collard greens to add a spicy kick.

6. Serve the dish with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the greens to add a tangy flavor.

7. If desired, drizzle a small amount of olive oil or melted butter over the collard greens for added richness.

8. For a touch of sweetness, sprinkle a teaspoon of brown sugar or honey over the cooked collard greens.

These serving and garnishing tips will enhance the flavors and presentation of your collard greens with turkey neck dish. Enjoy!

Q&A

What are collard greens?

Collard greens are leafy green vegetables that are part of the cabbage family. They have thick, dark green leaves and a slightly bitter taste.

What is the best way to cook collard greens?

One of the best ways to cook collard greens is to simmer them with turkey necks. The turkey necks add a delicious flavor to the greens and help make them tender. Here’s how you can do it:

How do you prepare turkey necks for cooking collard greens?

To prepare turkey necks for cooking collard greens, you will first want to clean them thoroughly. Remove any excess fat or feathers and rinse them under cold water. You can also trim off any excess skin if desired.

How long does it take to cook collard greens with turkey necks?

It typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to cook collard greens with turkey necks. This allows enough time for the greens to become tender and for the flavors to meld together. You can always taste a piece of the turkey neck to check if it’s done.