This hearty Southern Collard Green Potato Stew is packed with tender potatoes and flavorful collard greens. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for a cozy night in!
I love how this stew brings comfort to the table. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Plus, I get my greens in without even trying. Who wouldn’t want that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Collard Greens: These hearty greens are essential for that Southern flavor. If you can’t find them, kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes that still bring a lovely texture and taste.
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best since they hold their shape while cooking. However, you can use russet potatoes if that’s what you have, just remember they may break down more.
Smoked Turkey: This adds a nice smoky flavor. If you’re vegetarian or want a lighter stew, skip it and maybe add a bit of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for that essence without the meat.
Beans: White beans add protein and heartiness. You could substitute with chickpeas or simply leave them out if you want a lighter stew.
Broth: Vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian stew. Chicken broth enriches the flavor, so pick based on your preference and dietary needs.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Greens in Your Stew?
Cooking collard greens can be tricky if you’re not familiar with them. You want them tender but not mushy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by washing the collard greens well, as dirt often hides in the leaves. Remove the thick stems, as they can be tough.
- Tip: If you’re short on time, you can chop the greens coarsely before rinsing, making it easier to wash them.
- After adding them to the stew, give them a good stir and ensure they’re submerged in the broth. This helps them cook evenly.
- Simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour. The longer they simmer, the more tender and flavorful they become, but keep an eye on them!
Enjoy a bowl of this stew as it warms you up and fills your belly with comfort!
Southern Collard Green Potato Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1 bunch collard greens, rinsed, stemmed, and chopped
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks (preferably Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked white beans (optional, for added texture and protein)
- 2 smoked turkey necks or 4 slices smoked turkey bacon (optional for smoky flavor)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon drippings
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty stew typically takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 1 hour to cook. So, you’re looking at a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy a comforting bowl of warm goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Begin by heating the olive oil or bacon drippings in a large pot over medium heat. If you opted for smoked turkey bacon, cook it until it’s nice and crispy. Once it’s crispy, remove it from the pot and set it aside. If you’re using turkey necks, just add them to the pot now and lightly brown them to give an excellent flavor to your stew.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until they look translucent and fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it’s aromatic.
3. Add the Spices:
Now, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling like a little heat), dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together to coat the onions and garlic with those delicious spices.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with all its juices and give it a good stir. Next, add the potato chunks, chopped collard greens, white beans (if you’re using them), and the broth. If you’re working with turkey necks, make sure they’re snug in the mixture!
5. Simmer the Stew:
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer away for about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes and greens are tender and flavorful.
6. Add the Smoky Flavor:
If you used smoked turkey bacon, now’s the time to chop it up and stir it back into the pot for that smoky essence of flavor!
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Give your stew a taste test. Adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Flavor is key, so make it delightful!
8. Serve and Garnish:
If you used turkey necks, remove them from the pot before serving. Ladle your delicious stew into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Southern Collard Green Potato Stew with some cornbread or crusty bread on the side for a complete meal. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Other Greens Besides Collard Greens?
Absolutely! If you can’t find collard greens, kale, Swiss chard, or even mustard greens are great alternatives. Just keep in mind that different greens may have slightly different cooking times; for example, kale cooks a bit faster.
Can I Make This Stew Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this stew vegetarian by omitting the smoked turkey and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This stew is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together!
Can I Freeze This Stew?
Yes! This stew freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.