Get ready to experience a culinary journey that goes beyond just a simple soup - this Collard Greens Pot Liquor Soup is a Southern tradition that tells a story in every spoonful! Packed with rich, smoky flavors and nutrient-dense greens, this recipe is not just a meal, but a nostalgic embrace of Southern cooking that will transport you straight to a cozy kitchen in the heart of the South.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 smoked turkey leg (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing the collard greens under cold running water. Remove any tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- If using, add the smoked turkey leg to the pot. This will enhance the flavor of the soup with a smoky richness.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. If you did not add the turkey leg, you can skip this step.
- Once boiling, add the chopped collard greens to the pot. Stir well to ensure the greens are submerged in the broth.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the smoked turkey leg will add some saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the collard greens are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- If you used a smoked turkey leg, remove it from the pot after cooking. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the soup, discarding the bone and skin.
- Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional red pepper flakes if desired, and enjoy your Collard Greens Pot Liquor Soup!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Greens: Select vibrant, crisp collard greens with deep green leaves for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Cleaning is Key: Wash greens thoroughly and remove tough stems to ensure a tender, delicious soup.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sauté onions and garlic first to build a robust flavor base before adding broth and greens.
- Low and Slow: Simmer the soup on low heat to allow flavors to develop and greens to become perfectly tender.
- Optional Smoky Boost: The smoked turkey leg is optional but highly recommended for adding depth and authentic Southern flavor.
- Seasoning Tip: Start with less salt, as the smoked turkey leg will contribute additional saltiness to the soup.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg
