15 Old Fashioned Southern Turnip Greens Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Apr 3, 2024
Turnip greens are a staple in southern cuisine, and for good reason. These hearty greens are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. While there are many variations of turnip greens recipes, the old fashioned southern method remains a favorite amongst many. In this article, we will dive into the history of this classic dish and share a traditional recipe that will have your taste buds dancing. So, grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens, Salt
This recipe takes the traditional beer can chicken to the next level by adding a tasty side dish of mixed greens. The combination of savory chicken and flavorful greens will have your taste buds singing. Plus, the added nutrients from the greens make this a healthier option for those looking to indulge in some delicious southern comfort food.
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Old Fashioned Creamy Grits
Main Ingredients: Water, Milk, Grits, Kosher Salt, Heavy Cream, Unsalted
No southern meal is complete without a side of creamy grits. This recipe pairs perfectly with beer can chicken, providing a warm and comforting addition to the meal. The creamy texture and rich flavor of the grits will have you coming back for seconds.
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Vegan Southern-Style Mixed Greens
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Vegetable Broth, Onion, Garlic, Dried Thyme
For all the vegans out there, this recipe is for you. It takes the flavors of traditional southern mixed greens and gives them a vegan twist. Tofu is used instead of traditional bacon to add a smoky flavor, and vegetable broth is used instead of chicken broth. This dish is just as tasty and satisfying as the non-vegan version.
Turnip greens are a staple in southern cooking, and this recipe showcases them in all their glory. Smoked turkey leg is used instead of bacon to add a rich flavor to the greens. Onions , garlic , and red pepper flakes provide a spicy kick to balance out the dish. Serve these greens alongside beer can chicken for a classic southern meal.
Collard greens are another popular option for southern side dishes, and this recipe shows you how to make them perfectly. The greens are first blanched, then cooked in a flavorful broth made from ham hocks , chicken broth , and spices . The result is tender and flavorful greens that pair perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Southern Tempeh & Grits
Main Ingredients: Tempeh, Yellow Grits, Yellow Onion, Bell Pepper, Turnip
This recipe is a vegetarian twist on the classic southern dish. Tempeh is used instead of chicken, and vegetable broth is used in place of chicken broth. The grits are cooked in a mixture of milk and cheese , creating a creamy and decadent side dish. Serve with beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Southern Sweet Potato & Sausage Stew
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Kielbasa Sausage, Onions, Garlic, Sweet
This hearty stew is the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. It combines sweet potatoes , smoked sausage , and collard greens in a flavorful broth. The result is a warm and comforting dish that will have your guests going back for seconds.
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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 but still want to enjoy a delicious southern meal, this recipe is for you. Using an Instant Pot, you can have perfectly cooked collard or turnip greens in just a fraction of the time. The greens are cooked with bacon , onions , and spices , resulting in a flavorful and tender side dish.
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Turnip Greens
Main Ingredients: Turnip Greens, Bacon Drippings, Chicken Bouillon
This simple and traditional recipe for turnip greens is a great side dish for beer can chicken. The greens are cooked in chicken broth and flavored with bacon , onions , and garlic . The result is a dish that is both savory and comforting.
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Healthy and Delicious Southern Turnip Greens
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Water, Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Ground
For a healthier take on traditional turnip greens, give this recipe a try. The greens are cooked in vegetable broth and flavored with turkey bacon , onions , and spices . This dish is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a perfect side dish for beer can chicken.
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Slow Cooker Turnip Greens
Main Ingredients: Turnip Greens, Turnips, Ham Hock, Granulated Sugar, Red
If you want to free up some oven space while cooking beer can chicken, this slow cooker turnip greens recipe is the perfect solution. The greens are cooked with smoked turkey leg , onions , and spices for a dish that is full of flavor and takes minimal effort.
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Southern Style Holiday Greens
Main Ingredients: Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens, Butter, Pickle Juice
Turnip greens, collard greens, and mustard greens all come together in this holiday dish. The greens are cooked in a flavorful broth made from smoked ham and chicken broth . This dish is perfect for a holiday meal and pairs well with beer can chicken.
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Gumbo z’Herbes with Cajun Tempeh Bacon
Main Ingredients: Flour, Onions, Garlic, Bay Leaves, Water, Celery, Bell
For a twist on traditional greens, try this gumbo z'Herbes recipe. It combines a variety of greens, including collards , mustard greens , and turnip greens , with Cajun tempeh bacon . The result is a spicy and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Eddie's Turnip Greens
Main Ingredients: Turnip Greens, Butter, Chopped Onion, Chopped Garlic
This recipe is a favorite of Eddie, a true southern cook. The greens are cooked in chicken broth and flavored with smoked turkey leg , onions , and spices . The result is a dish that is both simple and delicious, making it a perfect side dish for beer can chicken.
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Old Fashioned Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Main Ingredients: Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Light Karo Syrup, Eggs
This classic southern dessert is the perfect way to end a meal of beer can chicken and greens. The flaky crust is filled with a creamy and sweet filling made from sweet potatoes , sugar , and spices . Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.
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Turnip Greens for Two
Main Ingredients: Turnip Greens, Fatback, White Vinegar, Sugar, Salt
If you're cooking for a smaller crowd, this recipe for turnip greens is perfect. It serves two people and is cooked in chicken broth with bacon and onions . It's a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with beer can chicken.
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Creole Black Eyed Pea Soup
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Onion, Celery, Green Bell Pepper, Diced
This hearty soup is full of southern flavors and makes a great side dish for beer can chicken. It combines black-eyed peas , ham , and vegetables in a flavorful broth. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Turnip Greens for Prosperity
Main Ingredients: Turnip Greens, Onion, Fresh Thyme Leaves, Garlic
In the south, it's believed that eating turnip greens on New Year's Day brings prosperity in the coming year. This recipe is a delicious way to bring in good luck. The greens are cooked in chicken broth with smoked turkey leg , onions , and spices . Serve with beer can chicken for a truly lucky meal.
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Fried Speckled Trout with Black-eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Trout Fillets, Milk, Cornmeal, Cajun Seasoning, Ground
This unique and flavorful dish features fried speckled trout served over a bed of black-eyed peas . The black-eyed peas are cooked with bacon , onions , and spices , adding a delicious southern twist to the meal. This dish is a great way to mix things up and pair with beer can chicken.
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Easy Instant Pot Turnip Greens
Main Ingredients: Turnip Greens, Collard Greens, Turnips, Low Sodium
Another great option for a quick and easy side dish, this recipe uses an Instant Pot to cook turnip greens in just a fraction of the time. The greens are flavored with smoked turkey leg , onions , and spices . Serve with beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
The History of Turnip Greens in Southern Cuisine
The Origins
The tradition of cooking turnip greens in the Southern United States dates back to the early 19th century. Turnips were a popular crop among farmers in the South, as they were easy to grow and could withstand harsh weather conditions. The greens were often cooked with pork or ham hocks, which were also readily available and affordable for many families. This combination of ingredients not only provided a hearty and flavorful meal, but it also made use of all parts of the turnip plant.
The Impact of Slavery
During the time of slavery, turnip greens became a staple food for enslaved African Americans. They were often given scraps and leftovers from their masters' meals, and turnip greens were a common side dish. However, the enslaved population found ways to elevate this simple dish, using various spices and techniques to infuse it with more flavor.
The Evolution of the Recipe
As time went on, the turnip greens recipe evolved and became a beloved dish in southern cuisine. Many families passed down their own versions of the recipe, each adding their own unique touch. Today, turnip greens are still a popular dish in the South and are often served at holiday gatherings and special occasions.
The Old Fashioned Southern Turnip Greens Recipe
Now, let's dive into the main event - the recipe! Here is a traditional old fashioned southern turnip greens recipe that will have your taste buds singing.
Ingredients:
1 bunch of turnip greens, washed and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 smoked ham hock or 1 pound of bacon
2 cups of chicken broth
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, cook the ham hock or bacon over medium heat until it starts to brown.
Add in the chopped onions and garlic and cook until they become translucent.
Add in the turnip greens and stir until they start to wilt.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the pot and let the greens simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Once the greens are tender, remove the ham hock or bacon and shred the meat. Add it back into the pot and stir.
Serve hot and enjoy!
This old fashioned southern turnip greens recipe is a perfect side dish for any meal. The combination of the smoky meat, tangy vinegar, and spicy red pepper flakes creates a delicious and unique flavor profile that will have your taste buds begging for more.
In conclusion, turnip greens have a long and rich history in southern cuisine. This old fashioned recipe is just one of many variations, but it remains a beloved dish that has stood the test of time. So, the next time you're looking for a hearty and flavorful side dish, give this traditional southern turnip greens recipe a try. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
