16 Healthy Southern Greens Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Southern greens are a staple in many households, especially in the southern region of the United States. Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients and are a great addition to any healthy diet. However, traditional recipes for southern greens often involve cooking them with fatty meats and adding excessive amounts of salt, which can make them less healthy. But fear not, because we have a healthy southern greens recipe that will satisfy your taste buds without compromising your health.
Southern collard greens are a staple in many Southern households. These hearty greens are packed with nutrients and are often cooked with smoked meat for added flavor. Here are 20 different ways to prepare this classic dish.
Similar to collard greens, Southern greens refer to a variety of leafy green vegetables such as turnip greens, mustard greens, and kale. These greens are often cooked down with smoked meat and served as a side dish.
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Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Frozen Green Beans, Turkey Leg, Water, Minced Garlic
For a twist on traditional collard greens, try using green beans instead. Cooked with smoked turkey, these green beans still have that classic Southern flavor but with a different texture.
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Vegan Southern-Style Mixed Greens
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Vegetable Broth, Onion, Garlic, Dried Thyme
If you're looking for a plant-based version of Southern greens, try this recipe. A mix of collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens are cooked with onions, garlic, and vegetable broth for a flavorful and healthy dish.
This recipe stays true to the classic Southern collard greens, with smoked ham hocks, onions, and garlic for flavor. The greens are cooked low and slow until they are tender and full of flavor.
For a simple and delicious side dish, try this recipe for Southern green beans. Cooked with bacon, onion, and garlic, these green beans are packed with flavor.
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Mary's Healthy Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt
This recipe is a healthier take on traditional Southern collard greens. Turkey bacon is used instead of pork, and apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick to the dish.
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Southern Style Instant Pot Collard Greens (or Turnip...
Main Ingredients: Turnip Greens, Bacon, Turkey Necks, Diced Onion
If you're short on time, try making collard greens in your Instant Pot. This recipe uses smoked turkey and chicken broth for extra flavor and can also be made with turnip greens.
Mustard greens are another popular vegetable in Southern cuisine. This recipe cooks them with smoked ham and seasonings for a flavorful and tender dish.
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Southern Style Pressure Cooker Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Turkey Leg, Onion, Garlic, Chicken Broth, Collard
Using a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to make collard greens. This recipe uses smoked turkey wings and a variety of seasonings for a rich and flavorful dish.
This classic recipe for Southern collard greens uses ham hocks, bacon, and a variety of seasonings for a traditional and delicious dish.
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Southern Greens and Potlikker
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Potlikker, the flavorful liquid left behind after cooking greens, is a Southern favorite. This recipe includes instructions for cooking both the greens and the potlikker.
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Vegan Southern-Style Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves
For a vegan take on Southern collard greens, try this recipe. Smoked paprika and liquid smoke give these greens a smoky flavor, and vegetable broth is used instead of meat.
This recipe for Southern-style collard greens uses smoked turkey legs and a variety of seasonings for a full-bodied and flavorful dish.
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Southern Style Vegetarian Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Garlic, Chopped Onion, Chili Powder
If you're looking for a vegetarian version of Southern collard greens, this recipe is a great option. Mushrooms and liquid smoke are used to add a meaty flavor to the dish.
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Southern Smoked Turkey Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Chicken Broth, Turkey Parts, Yellow
Smoked turkey is a popular ingredient in Southern cooking and it adds a delicious flavor to collard greens. This recipe also includes onion, garlic, and a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.
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Oven Baked Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Low
If you want a hands-off approach to cooking collard greens, try this recipe for oven-baked greens. Bacon, onions, and garlic are baked with the greens for a flavorful and tender dish.
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Southern Style Collard Greens - Soul Food
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Turkey Necks, Yellow Onion, Water
Soul food is a term often used to describe Southern cuisine, and these collard greens definitely fit the bill. Cooked with ham hocks, bacon, and a variety of seasonings, this dish is full of flavor and soul.
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Oven-Baked Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Large Onion, Garlic, Low Sodium
Another oven-baked option for collard greens, this recipe uses smoked turkey instead of pork for a healthier twist. The greens are baked with onions, garlic, and seasonings for a delicious and easy dish.
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Smoky Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Crushed Red Chile Flakes, Garlic, Collard
If you love smoky flavors, you'll love this recipe for collard greens. Bacon and smoked paprika add a rich and smoky flavor to these greens.
Ingredients
1. Greens
Featured keywords: greens, healthy, nutrients
The star of this recipe is, of course, the greens. You can use any leafy green vegetable you like, such as collard greens, kale, or mustard greens. These greens are packed with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. They are also low in calories, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.
2. Smoked Turkey
Featured keywords: smoked turkey, lean meat, protein
Instead of using fatty meats like bacon or ham, we will be using smoked turkey in this recipe. Smoked turkey is a leaner and healthier alternative to traditional meats used in southern greens. It is low in fat and high in protein, making it a great addition to a healthy meal.
3. Onions and Garlic
Featured keywords: onions, garlic, flavor
Onions and garlic not only add flavor to this dish but also provide numerous health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They also add a nice depth of flavor to the greens without adding any extra calories.
4. Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Featured keywords: chicken broth, vegetable broth, low-sodium
Instead of using water to cook the greens, we will be using low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. This adds extra flavor to the dish without adding any extra salt. It also helps to keep the greens moist and prevents them from drying out.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Featured keywords: apple cider vinegar, tangy, digestion
A splash of apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor to the greens and also provides some health benefits. It aids in digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. It also adds a nice balance to the dish, cutting through the richness of the greens.
Instructions
1. Prep the Greens
Start by washing and chopping the greens into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to remove any tough stems or veins.
2. Cook the Smoked Turkey
In a large pot, cook the smoked turkey until it is browned on both sides. This will help to release some of the flavor from the turkey and add depth to the dish.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. This will add flavor to the dish and help to create a flavorful base for the greens.
4. Add the Greens
Add the chopped greens to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the greens start to wilt.
5. Add the Broth and Vinegar
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Simmer and Serve
Cover the pot and let the greens simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the greens are tender, they are ready to be served. Adjust the seasoning to taste and enjoy your healthy southern greens.
With this recipe, you can still enjoy the delicious and comforting flavors of traditional southern greens, but with a healthier twist. So go ahead and give it a try, your taste buds and your body will thank you.
