Pioneer Woman Collard Greens

This Pioneer Woman Collard Greens recipe is made with smoked turkey legs, olive oil, sweet onion, garlic cloves, and spices, and takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to cook and serves 6-8 people. Pair your Collard Greens with mac and cheese, cornbread, potato salad, and BBQ ribs.

To make this Collard Greens, Ree Drummond combines smoked turkey legs with a variety of spices and vegetables, then simmers everything to perfection, resulting in a hearty and flavorful Southern classic.

Whether you’re cooking her Slow Cooker Glazed Ribs, Pumpkin Chili, or these Collard Greens, recipes from the Pioneer Woman are consistently tasty and satisfying.

Pioneer Woman Collard Greens Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked turkey legs (about 2)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 bag (2 lbs) chopped fresh collard greens
• 1 qt chicken broth
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• Hot pepper sauce, to serve

How To Make Pioneer Woman Collard Greens

1. Prepare Turkey Stock: In a large pot, add turkey legs and 2 quarts of water. Boil on medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 1.5 hours until the turkey is tender.
2. Strain and Shred: Remove turkey legs, strain the stock, and set it aside. Once the turkey is cool, remove bones and skin, and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
3. Sauté Veggies and Spices: In the same pot, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic, salt, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Combine and Cook: Add the collard greens and the strained turkey stock to the pot. Stir in chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, and shredded turkey. Add water just to cover the greens. Cook covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour until greens are tender.
5. Final Touch: Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to reduce the liquid. Taste and adjust salt and vinegar as needed. Serve hot with pepper sauce.

Additional Tips

• Don’t worry about simmering the greens too long; they get better with time.

What To Serve With Collard Greens

The best side dishes to serve with collard greens include mac and cheese, cornbread, and potato salad. For meatier options, consider chicken wings, BBQ ribs, or bone-in ham. Sweet potato casserole, fried chicken, and green beans also make excellent pairings.

How To Store Collard Greens

In The Fridge:

Store cooked collard greens in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is sealed well to keep the greens fresh and flavorful.

In The Freezer:

Freeze cooked collard greens in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to 12 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

How To Reheat Collard Greens

To reheat collard greens, place them in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Check out More Recipes From Pioneer Woman:

• Pioneer Woman Pepperoni Potato Salad
• Pioneer Woman Scalloped Corn
• Pioneer Woman Lobster Bisque