Introduction
Are you craving for a hearty and comforting dish that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than this classic Southern recipe for collards ham and turnip root. This dish is a great way to use up those winter root vegetables and add some healthy greens to your meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. So, put on some good music, grab your cooking pot, and let’s get started!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound smoked ham hocks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch collard greens, rinsed and chopped
- 2 medium turnips, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
1. In a large pot, add the smoked ham hocks, onion, and garlic. Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour. 2. Remove the ham hocks from the pot and set aside to cool. Add the collard greens, turnips, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir well. 3. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the collard greens and turnips are tender. 4. Remove the meat from the ham hocks and chop into small pieces. Add the meat back to the pot and stir well. 5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Each serving contains:
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 2020mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 24g
Cooking Time
This recipe takes approximately 2 hours to prepare and cook.
Equipment
For this recipe, you will need a large pot, a cutting board, and a sharp knife.
Serving Suggestions
Collards ham and turnip root is a great side dish for any meal. Serve it alongside cornbread, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal. You can also top it with hot sauce or vinegar for an extra kick.
Variations
If you don’t have ham hocks, you can use bacon or smoked turkey instead. You can also add other root vegetables such as sweet potatoes or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.
Substitutions
If you don’t have collard greens, you can use kale or spinach instead. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can omit the ham hocks and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips
To make this dish even more flavorful, you can sauté the onions and garlic in a bit of oil before adding them to the pot. You can also add a bay leaf or a few sprigs of thyme for added depth of flavor.
Notes
Collards ham and turnip root is a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s a great way to use up those winter root vegetables and add some healthy greens to your meal. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use bacon, smoked turkey, or even ham steak instead of ham hocks.
Can I use other types of greens?
Yes, you can use kale, spinach, or even mustard greens instead of collard greens.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
Personal Thoughts
Collards ham and turnip root is a dish that’s close to my heart. It’s a dish that my grandmother used to make, and it always reminds me of home. This recipe is easy to make and tastes even better the next day. I hope that you’ll give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do.