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Tender Slow Cooker Collard Greens: Easy Sides

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A set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe for tender, smoky collard greens made with smoked turkey necks, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large bunches fresh collard greens (washed, stems removed, chopped into 1-inch strips) OR 1 bag frozen chopped collard greens
  • 1 large smoked turkey neck (dry-smoked)
  • 1 large yellow onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • Salt (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. If using fresh collards, wash thoroughly, roll leaves, slice off tough stems, and chop into 1-inch strips. If using frozen, thaw slightly.
  2. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not burn.
  4. Place chopped collard greens into a 6-quart slow cooker.
  5. Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
  6. Place the smoked turkey neck on top of the greens, ensuring it is submerged as much as possible.
  7. Pour in chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and black pepper.
  8. Stir gently to combine. Ensure liquid comes about halfway up the greens; add more broth if needed.
  9. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until greens are tender but not mushy.
  10. Remove bay leaves and turkey neck. Pull meat off the bone, chop it, and return it to the pot.
  11. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt or vinegar if needed.
  12. Serve hot with cornbread or rice.

Notes

Wash greens thoroughly to remove dirt. Do not skip sautéing the aromatics for better flavor. Taste before adding salt as the turkey neck is salty. For a vegetarian version, swap turkey neck for smoked tofu or vegetable broth with liquid smoke. Let greens rest on warm mode for an hour before serving to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker collard greens, smoked turkey neck, southern sides, healthy greens, meal prep, vegetarian option, comfort food

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/tender-slow-cooker-collard-greens-easy-sides/