Southern Turnip Greens
Fresh Turnip Greens and roots, cooked to celebrate their full flavor of sweet, savory and bitter. I learned this technique for cooking greens from Wathon Woodham. I adapted this recipe based on her instructions.
Servings Prep Time
8-10people 60Minutes
Cook Time
30-45Minutes
Servings Prep Time
8-10people 60Minutes
Cook Time
30-45Minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Wash kitchen sink and rinse well. Add in large bundle of turnip greens. Before you untie the greens using the water sprayer, wash off the root end of the greens for a few minutes. With a large knife while greens are in sink, trim off the root ends, Cut off stalk ends and toss. Rinse the dirt out of the sink.
  2. Place drain cover in sink and start filling up with water. Untie greens and swish back and forth to wash well. As water is filling up, start removing the stalks. Tear off the greens and leave in the sink. The stalks may be tossed, throw in compost or fed to chickens.
  3. Once all the stalks have been removed, move the greens thorough the water back and forth. Drain water out. Pull greens to one side and using sprayer rinse any sand or dirt out of sink. Place drain cover in sink and fill up with water. Move the greens thorough the water back and forth until all the dirt has been removed. I typically do this process at least three times. This will depend on how dirty the greens are when you receive from farm or market. Repeat as needed then drain.
  4. Grab a large pot to cook greens, place near sink and cutting board. Start layering leaves into a pile. Then roll leaves into a tube as shown. With a sharp knife cut greens and toss into pot. Repeat until all leaves are in pot.
  5. Add in water, olive oil , salt and pepper. Stir well. Turn on medium low and cover with lid. Stir occasionally. Cook until tender for about 30-45 minutes.
  6. In a smaller pot, add chopped turnip roots. Add water until barely covered. Cover with lid. Cook until tender about 20 minutes.
  7. Greens will reduce down in size considerably. Taste to check tenderness. Once greens are tender, add in turnip roots and liquid to turnip greens. Stir and add additional salt or pepper as needed.
  8. Lagniappe: I love the clean taste of these greens. If you want more punch, add cayenne or sliced jalapenos to pot while cooking. Serve with a slice of cornbread and sliced onion.

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