Turnip Greens
This fresh Turnip Greens recipe features tender leaves with fantastic flavor! Serve this popular southern side dish and enjoy bold, earthy flavors balanced perfectly with garlic and lemon.
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Turnip Greens are the leafy greens at the top of turnip roots. These green leaves have become a delicious side dish in a true southern meal with their peppery flavor and just the right hint of earthiness! You’ll often see Turnip Greens served with fried chicken and cornbread, but our favorite way is with our Ranch Oven Baked Pork Chops!
Turnip Greens fall somewhere between collard greens and mustard greens in flavor. They are less bitter than mustard greens and more tender than collard greens and offer a balanced, earthy taste that’s perfect for quick sautés or slow simmering.
You’ll often find southern Turnip Greens cooked with a smokey meat like ham hocks or pork belly. You can make these flavorful greens in a similar way by adding in some chicken stock or bacon grease to infuse that meaty flavor. Adding bits of crispy bacon will give the bitter flavor of the tender greens the opportunity to meld together with the salty, smoky flavor of bacon.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes for a simple side dish.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh turnip greens.
Light and Flavorful: Garlic and lemon brighten up the greens without overpowering them.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with a variety of mains, from grilled meats to roasted chicken or fish.
Naturally Low-Carb and Gluten-Free: A great option for a variety of dietary needs.
Ingredients to Make Turnip Greens:
- olive oil. Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and greens. You can use avocado oil or butter if preferred.
- garlic cloves. Fresh minced garlic gives the dish a savory depth. Adjust the amount if you prefer a milder flavor.
- fresh turnip greens. Use fresh, cleaned, and chopped turnip greens. Remove tough stems for a more tender result.
- lemon juice. Brightens the greens with a touch of acidity. Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
- salt and pepper. Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors—feel free to adjust to taste.
How to Make Turnip Greens:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the turnip greens to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper, then drizzle with lemon juice.
- Toss to combine and serve warm.
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Cleaning Turnip Greens: Fresh turnips are indeed a root vegetable. So make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit that made its way on the greens. Soaking them in a bowl of cool water and draining a few times works well.
- Stem Removal: For a more tender dish, remove the thick, tough stems before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook just until wilted and tender to keep a vibrant color and avoid a mushy texture.
- Add Heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing for a subtle kick.
- Flavor Boost: A dash of chicken broth or vegetable broth can be added for extra depth of flavor.
- Make It Ahead: These reheat well, so you can prepare them in advance for easy meal prep.
Serving Suggestions:
- Cauliflower Soup
- Breaded Parmesan Chicken
- Shrimp Foil Packs
- Seafood Stew
- Ranch Oven Baked Pork Chops
How to Store:
Refrigerate: Allow the cooked turnip greens to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Freeze: You can freeze cooked turnip greens in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs:
Yes, frozen turnip greens can be used. Simply thaw and drain excess moisture before sautéing. Keep in mind they may cook faster than fresh greens.
Absolutely! Try adding onions, red pepper flakes, or a splash of broth for extra flavor. A sprinkle of cooked bacon or a dash of apple cider vinegar also works well.
Turnip greens can have a slight bitterness, but sautéing them with garlic and finishing with lemon juice helps balance the flavor.
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Turnip Greens
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the turnip greens to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with lemon juice.
- Toss to combine and serve warm.
Notes
- Cleaning Turnip Greens: Rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Soaking them in a bowl of water and draining a few times works well.
- Stem Removal: For a more tender dish, remove the thick, tough stems before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook just until wilted and tender to keep a vibrant color and avoid a mushy texture.
- Add Heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing for a subtle kick.
- Flavor Boost: A dash of chicken broth or vegetable broth can be added for extra depth of flavor.
- Make It Ahead: These reheat well, so you can prepare them in advance for easy meal prep.
Nutrition Facts:
These nutrition facts are estimated and can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. Always consult product labels or a nutrition professional for precise information.Calories: ~70 kcal
Protein: ~3 g
Carbohydrates: ~7 g
Fiber: ~4 g
Net Carbs: ~3 g
Fat: ~4.5 g
Sodium: ~300 mg
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