Leftover Turkey Collard Greens: Delicious Ways to Transform Your Holiday Leftovers

Leftover Turkey Collard Greens are a delightful way to transform your holiday feast into a comforting, soul-satisfying dish. As someone who cherishes the flavors of Southern cuisine, I find that this recipe not only makes use of leftover turkey but also pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of the South. Collard greens, a staple in Southern cooking, are known for their robust flavor and nutritional benefits, making them a perfect companion for tender turkey.

People love this dish for its incredible taste and texture; the savory turkey melds beautifully with the earthy greens, creating a harmony of flavors that warms the heart. Plus, it’s a convenient way to reduce food waste while enjoying a hearty meal that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Whether you’re looking to spice up your leftovers or simply want to indulge in a comforting bowl of goodness, Leftover Turkey Collard Greens are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1 large bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup cooked white beans (cannellini or navy beans)
• Optional: Hot sauce for serving

Preparing the Collard Greens

First things first, let’s get those collard greens ready. I love using fresh greens because they add such a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish.

1. Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. This is super important because you don’t want any crunchy surprises in your dish!
2. Once washed, remove the tough stems from the collard greens. You can do this by folding the leaf in half and slicing along the stem. Discard the stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Sautéing the Aromatics

Now that our greens are prepped, let’s move on to the aromatics that will build the flavor base for our dish.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. I love using a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking.
2. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
3. Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. The aroma will be heavenly!

Cooking the Collard Greens

With the aromatics ready, it’s time to add the collard greens and let them cook down.

1. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. It may seem like a lot of greens at first, but they will wilt down significantly.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to cover the greens completely. If you’re using the optional white beans, add them at this stage as well.
3. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper, then adjust later.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the collard greens to become tender.

Adding the Turkey

Now that the collard greens are tender and flavorful, it’s time to add the leftover turkey.

1. After the greens have simmered for about 30-40 minutes, stir in the shredded or chopped leftover turkey. This is a great way to use up that holiday turkey!
2. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the turkey to heat through and absorb some of the delicious flavors from the broth and greens.
3. Once everything is heated through, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce for some extra kick!

Finishing Touches

We’re almost there! Just a few final touches to elevate this dish.

1. Once the turkey is heated through, stir in the apple cider vinegar. This adds a lovely tang that balances the richness of the turkey and the earthiness of the collard greens.
2. Let the dish simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the vinegar to meld with the other flavors.
3. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle even more

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Leftover Turkey Collard Greens recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to transform their holiday leftovers into a delicious and nutritious meal. The combination of tender collard greens and savory turkey creates a dish that is not only comforting but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste while enjoying a hearty meal that the whole family will love. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this dish with cornbread or a side of rice to soak up all the delicious juices. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little kick or toss in some beans for added protein and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different spices or adding other leftover vegetables to customize the dish to your liking. I truly encourage you to give this Leftover Turkey Collard Greens recipe a try. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to make the most of your leftovers, and I’d love to hear about your experience! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, sharing your results and any variations you come up with can inspire others to do the same. So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and let’s make those leftovers shine! Print
   

   Leftover Turkey Collard Greens: Delicious Ways to Transform Your Holiday Leftovers

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 65 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   This comforting dish features tender collard greens and leftover turkey, seasoned with aromatic spices and a splash of apple cider vinegar. It’s a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy holiday leftovers, perfect for a hearty meal.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
   • 1 large bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
   • 1 medium onion, diced
   • 3 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
   • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Optional: 1 cup cooked white beans (cannellini or navy beans)
   • Optional: Hot sauce for serving

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   Instructions

   1. Wash the collard greens thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit.
   2. Remove the tough stems from the collard greens by folding the leaf in half and slicing along the stem. Discard the stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
   3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   4. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent and fragrant.
   5. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
   6. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
   7. Pour in the chicken broth, covering the greens completely. If using, add the white beans at this stage.
   8. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
   9. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 30-40 minutes.
   10. Stir in the shredded or chopped leftover turkey after the greens have simmered.
   11. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the turkey to heat through.
   12. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
   13. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
   14. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

   Notes

   • Feel free to adjust the level of red pepper flakes and hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
   • This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 50 minutes