Southern Turnip Greens – Southern Chunk

September 17, 2024

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by Stacey September 17, 2024

In the event you’re craving some good ol’ Southern consolation, these turnip greens are the place it’s at! Cooked up gradual with smoked meat, they’re tender, filled with taste, and have simply the suitable trace of earthiness. Serve ‘em alongside fried hen, pork chops, or just about something, and also you’ve obtained your self a real Southern meal!

Rising up, turnip greens have been a staple on our household desk, particularly when my mother was cooking. She had this fashion of creating them style like pure consolation in a bowl. I keep in mind sitting in her little kitchen, watching her toss handfuls of greens into a giant pot with a ham hock, bacon grease, and no matter different magic she saved hidden in her cupboard. The odor would fill the home, and we’d understand it was virtually time to eat.

Now, each time I make turnip greens, it looks like a bit nod to her and people Sunday suppers. Humorous how a easy pot of greens can take you proper again to these moments, surrounded by household and good meals. It’s the form of reminiscence that sticks with you, just like the style of that first chew!

What’s the distinction between turnip greens, collard greens, and mustard greens?

So, right here’s the deal: turnip greens, collard greens, and mustard greens may look a bit comparable, however they every have their very own distinctive taste.

Turnip Greens: These come from the highest of the turnip plant, they usually’ve obtained a pleasant peppery, earthy taste. They’re a bit bitter, however in a great way! Once you cook dinner them, they get tender however nonetheless maintain a bit little bit of that tang. Additionally they cook dinner a bit quicker than collards, and the leaves are smaller and softer.
Collard Greens: Collards are the massive, robust guys of the greens world. They’ve obtained these thick, sturdy leaves that style kinda delicate, like cabbage. As a result of they’re so hearty, they want a bit longer cook dinner time to get good and tender, however they’re excellent for simmering with a ham hock or some bacon. Plus, they don’t have as a lot bitterness as turnip greens.
Mustard Greens: Now, mustard greens? They’re the spicy ones. They’ve obtained a pointy, peppery taste that hits you with a little bit of a kick, like mustard (therefore the identify). They cook dinner up fairly quick and have extra tender leaves, however they’ve nonetheless obtained sufficient chew to carry as much as all these smoky, savory flavors you throw at them.

So, in brief: turnip greens are a bit tangy and earthy, collards are delicate and hearty, and mustard greens have a spicy perspective. Each’s obtained its personal factor going, however they’re all tremendous scrumptious.

Can I add turnip roots to this recipe?

Oh, heck yeah! Including turnip roots to your turnip greens is a good way to amp up the flavour and texture. The roots have a gentle, barely candy, and earthy taste that pairs completely with the greens. It’s like getting a two-for-one deal from the identical plant!

Merely wash and peel the turnip roots, chop them into small cubes, and toss them in together with your greens. They’ll cook dinner proper alongside the greens and take in all that smoky, savory deliciousness from the broth and seasonings. Plus, they add a bit additional heartiness to the dish, which by no means hurts.

Methods to Clear and Lower Turnip Greens

Cleansing and chopping turnip greens is tremendous necessary as a result of they are often fairly gritty from dust that’s left behind, however don’t fear—it’s easy!

Right here’s tips on how to clear them:

Give them a very good rinse: Turnip greens will be sandy, so that you’ll wish to fill a giant bowl or your sink with cool water. I even like to scrub those that come within the baggage which have already been reduce and washed. merely, submerge the greens and swish them round to knock free any dust or grit. Allow them to sit for a minute, and also you’ll see the dust settle on the backside.
Rinse and repeat: Drain the water and do it once more! It would take two or three rounds of rinsing to get them squeaky clear, nevertheless it’s price it. You don’t need any grit sneaking into your dish.

Now, for chopping them:

Take away the robust stems (if you’d like): Lay the greens flat, fold the leaves in half alongside the stem, and run a knife down the aspect to take away that thick middle stem. Some of us depart the smaller stems in for texture, so it’s as much as you! I really love the stems, so I usually depart extra in.
Chop the greens: As soon as the stems are out of the best way, stack a number of leaves, roll them up like a cigar, and slice them into strips. You don’t must be exact—simply reduce them into bite-sized items. They’ll cook dinner down, so no must be too fussy.

Do I want to make use of contemporary turnip greens, or can I take advantage of frozen?

Contemporary is all the time finest if you’d like that true Southern taste! Contemporary greens have a deeper, richer style and a greater texture when cooked. You’ll be able to even use the bagged greens within the produce part which have already been reduce and washed. (I do advocate washing the pre-washed greens once more.) However in the event you’re in a pinch, frozen can work.

Ought to I maintain the stems or take away them?

That’s actually as much as you! Some of us depart them in for a bit additional texture, whereas others want to take away the stems to maintain issues tender. I like to chop off the bigger, more durable stems and depart the smaller ones, nevertheless it’s all about private choice.

What meat ought to I take advantage of to season greens?

In terms of seasoning turnip greens, you actually can’t beat that smoky, savory taste, and one of the best ways to get that’s with ham hocks, bacon, or smoked turkey. The necessary factor to recollect is to make use of smoked meats. That’s what’s going to provide you that smoky taste. You have got a number of choices…

Smoked pork: Ham hocks are the basic go-to and my private favourite. They add tons of wealthy, smoky goodness, and the meat will get so tender it simply falls proper off the bone. Excellent for these cozy, slow-cooked greens. You can even use smoked pork necks or smoked hog jowl – generally additionally labeled pork cheek.
Bacon: If you wish to maintain issues easy and fast, bacon does the trick. The bacon grease offers you that smoky taste. There’s no have to pre-cook it earlier than including it to the pot.
Smoked turkey: On the lookout for one thing a bit lighter? Smoked turkey legs, wings, necks, or tails are all nice decisions. You continue to get all of the smoky taste, however with out as a lot fats. It’s excellent in the event you’re making an attempt to maintain issues on the more healthy aspect.

Why are my turnip greens bitter?

Turnip greens naturally have a little bit of a chew, but when they’re too bitter, you won’t have cooked them lengthy sufficient. That’s why that gradual simmer is so necessary – it helps soften the greens and mellow out the bitterness.

Older greens are usually extra bitter, as nicely. If the leaves look wilted or the stems are actually thick, that’s an indication they’re outdated or not as contemporary, which may amp up the bitterness. Contemporary, younger, tender greens are all the time finest if you wish to keep away from that.

In both case, you too can add a pinch of sugar or a splash of vinegar to assist steadiness issues out.

Can I cook dinner turnip greens in a gradual cooker?

Completely! A gradual cooker is a good way to get that low and gradual simmer with out having to observe the pot. Simply toss all the things in, set it on low for about 4 to five hours, and also you’ll have tender, flavorful greens able to go.

What do I serve with turnip greens?

Turnip greens are a basic aspect dish for any Southern meal! They pair completely with cornbread (you gotta have cornbread), fried hen, pork chops, or a giant ol’ pot of beans. Additionally they shine alongside a Sunday roast or barbecue.

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