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cracker barrel turnip greens recipe

Cracker Barrel Turnip Greens Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large smoked ham hock (about 1 lb)
  • 2 lbs fresh turnip greens, stems removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Add the ham hock, 4 cups chicken broth, and 2 cups water to a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove the ham hock. Add the diced onion to the broth and cook over medium-low for 5 minutes until translucent, then stir in the minced garlic for 1 minute.
  3. Add the turnip greens in batches, stirring each down before adding more. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and sugar, then return the ham hock to the pot.
  4. Cover and braise over low heat for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the greens are fully tender and deep olive green.
  5. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and stir it back in. Add the apple cider vinegar, season with salt and black pepper, and ladle into a serving bowl with plenty of pot likker and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top.

Notes

If your ham hock is on the larger or saltier side, taste the broth at the 30-minute mark before adding anything else. Frozen turnip greens can be substituted; cut the braising time in Step 4 to about 30 to 40 minutes and check for tenderness early. The greens reheat well and are worth making a day ahead if you're planning a big meal.