Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew
**Introduction**
This Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew is a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort. It’s a hearty and nourishing dish that simmers slowly to develop a deep, savory, and incredibly satisfying flavor. The key to this stew lies in the rich, smoky broth, often built with smoked turkey or a ham hock, which gently cooks the collard greens until they are meltingly tender and infuses the potatoes with incredible taste. The overall character is robust, earthy, and deeply comforting. This stew is perfect for a chilly evening, a weekly meal prep session, or a large family gathering where you need to feed a crowd with something wholesome and delicious. You will want to try this recipe to experience the soul-warming magic of traditional Southern cooking and to enjoy a meal that is both simple in its ingredients and profound in its flavor.
**Perfect for:**
* Chilly Weeknight Dinners
* Weekly Meal Prep
* Potluck Dinners
* Holiday Side Dish (especially New Year’s)
* A Comforting Lunch
**Why You’ll Love This Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew Recipe**
**Deep, Smoky Flavor:** The foundation of this stew is a rich broth created by simmering smoked turkey or a ham hock. This process creates a complex, savory base that is the soul of the dish.
**A Complete, Wholesome Meal:** Packed with collard greens, potatoes, and protein, this stew is a balanced and fulfilling one-pot meal. It’s incredibly satisfying on its own without needing many accompaniments.
**Simple and Forgiving to Make:** This is not a fussy recipe. It involves simple chopping and patient simmering. The long cook time is mostly hands-off, making it an easy dish to prepare while you attend to other things.
**Budget-Friendly and Feeds a Crowd:** Made with affordable, staple ingredients, this stew is easy on the wallet. It yields a large quantity, making it ideal for family dinners or for having plenty of leftovers.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 280-350 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 280-350 kcal
**Protein:** 18g
**Carbohydrates:** 35g
**Fat:** 8g
**Fiber:** 6g
**Sugar:** 5g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 large yellow onion, diced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 smoked turkey leg or wing (about 1-1.5 lbs) or 1 ham hock
* 8 cups chicken broth, low sodium
* 2 pounds collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
* 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* Salt and black pepper to taste
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Sauté Aromatics:** In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
2. **Build the Broth:** Add the entire smoked turkey leg or ham hock to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
3. **Prepare the Greens:** While the broth simmers, thoroughly wash the collard greens. Remove the tough stems by folding each leaf in half and slicing the stem away. Stack the leaves, roll them up, and slice into 1-inch thick ribbons.
4. **Cook the Collards:** After 45 minutes, add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring them into the hot broth. They will wilt down significantly. Cover and simmer for another 20 minutes.
5. **Add Potatoes and Seasonings:** Add the chopped potatoes, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir to combine. Cover and continue to simmer for 25-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
6. **Shred the Meat:** Carefully remove the smoked turkey leg or ham hock from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat using two forks, discarding the skin and bone.
7. **Final Combine:** Return the shredded meat to the pot. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste the stew and season generously with salt and black pepper as needed.
8. **Serve:** Ladle the hot stew into bowls and serve immediately.
**How to Serve Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew**
* **As a Hearty Main Course:** Serve in deep bowls with a side of crusty cornbread or a thick slice of buttered bread for dipping.
* **With a Southern Classic:** Pair with a piece of fried chicken or a baked chicken thigh for the ultimate comfort food plate.
* **Over Grains:** For an even more substantial meal, serve a ladleful of stew over a bed of steamed white rice or creamy grits.
* **With a Bright Contrast:** Accompany with a simple, tangy side salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness of the stew.
**Additional Tips for Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew**
* Do not skip the apple cider vinegar; it is a crucial ingredient that brightens the flavor of the greens and balances the richness of the broth.
* For the best texture, be patient and allow the collard greens to simmer until they are completely tender; they should not be crunchy.
* If you prefer a thicker stew, you can use a potato masher to lightly mash a few of the potato chunks against the side of the pot before serving.
* For a vegetarian version, omit the smoked meat and use vegetable broth. Add 2 teaspoons of liquid smoke and a tablespoon of soy sauce for depth.
**Recipe Variations of Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew**
**Spicy Andouille Stew:** Add 1 pound of sliced Andouille sausage in step 1, sautéing it with the onions to render the fat and add a spicy, smoky kick.
**White Bean and Greens Stew:** For a creamier, protein-packed version, add two cans of drained and rinsed cannellini or great northern beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
**Vegan Southern Stew:** Use vegetable broth and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions to create a meaty, umami depth. Use smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor.
**Freezing and Storage for Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew**
**Storage:** Store completely cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve the next day.
**Freezing:** This stew freezes excellently for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
**FAQ Section about Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew**
**Can I use other greens?**
Yes, you can substitute kale or mustard greens for the collards. Keep in mind that kale and mustard greens have a shorter cooking time and may only need 15-20 minutes to become tender.
**My stew is too watery. How can I fix it?**
You can create a quick slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the simmering stew and cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, simply simmer the stew uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
**Is this stew traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day?**
Yes, in the American South, eating collard greens on New Year’s Day is thought to bring prosperity and good fortune in the coming year, as the greens symbolize folded money.
**Conclusion of Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew Recipe**
This Southern-Style Collard Green and Potato Stew is a testament to how simple, humble ingredients can be transformed into a meal that feeds both the body and the soul. It is a forgiving, one-pot wonder that requires little hands-on effort but rewards you with a depth of flavor that is both robust and comforting. Whether you are seeking a nourishing weeknight meal, a taste of Southern tradition, or a dish guaranteed to please a crowd, this stew delivers on every front. Embrace the slow simmer, savor the rich, smoky aroma that will fill your kitchen, and get ready to enjoy a truly timeless and heartwarming classic.